The Australian Cycling Team’s governing body, AusCycling, recently announced that Matthew Rochardson will not be allowed to return to the team in the future after an investigation into the cyclist’s decision to switch from Australia to Britain.
The athlete, who was born in England, changed his international allegiance to Britain last August, only days after winning bronze in the team sprint, silver in the individual sprint, and keirin at the Paris Olympics.
According to AusCycling’s investigation, Richardson asked UCI, the world governing body, to postpone the official announcement of his change in nationality until after the Olympics. He also kept the information from AusCycling and his teammates.
Furthermore, the body noted that Richardson requested to bring AusCycling property to Britain, including an Olympic race outfit, a custom bike, and a cockpit.
“The review, which involved a thorough investigation of Richardson’s actions, has determined he acted in a way which conflicted with the values of AusCycling, the Australian National Team and the broader cycling community…. Richardson will not be eligible to rejoin the Australian Cycling Team at any point in the future,” AusCycling stated.
They added: “He is also prohibited from using any resources associated with the Australian Cycling Team or its partners. Richardson will be ineligible for any AusCycling-related awards, effective immediately.”
Richardson missed the world championships in Denmark last month because cyclists who change allegiance are not allowed to compete for their new national team at the upcoming global and continental championships, as per the UCI regulations.
Source: CNA