World Track Cycling Championships: Matt Richardson wins his first Great Britain medal in team sprint

Matt Richardson claimed his first medal for Great Britain as they won silver in the men’s and women’s team sprint at the Track World Championships.

Both teams were beaten to gold by the Netherlands on the opening day in Santiago, Chile, with defending world champion Emma Finucane leading debutants Iona Moir and Rhianna Parris-Smith in the women’s trio.

Richardson changed his allegiance from Australia to the country of his birth after winning three medals at the 2024 Olympics.

“Coming away with a silver medal is bittersweet for me,” said the 26-year-old.

“My first medal at a world championships in a GB skinsuit is going to feel amazing. I wish it was the top step, but I can’t come away too mad about that.”

Richardson was joined by Joe Truman and Harry Ledingham-Horn in the men’s qualifying line-up and they placed second behind the Netherlands, the two-time defending champions.

GB then beat Germany in round one and Hamish Turnbull replaced Ledingham-Horn for the final.

GB led as Richardson peeled off following the second lap but Jeffrey Hoogland managed to close the gap on the final lap, crossing the line 0.37 seconds before Turnbull.

Richardson, who secured his fifth world medal overall, added: “We’re a fresh line-up, so each time we step on the track we’re learning a little bit about each other.”

Truman added: “It’s the closest we’ve ever been to the Dutch and it’s a really positive first step in the cycle [to LA 2028].”