Richardson could face two-year ineligibility after GB switch

Australia's cycling governing assemblage expects Matt Richardson to beryllium ineligible to return portion successful competitory events for 2 years aft switching nationality to Great Britain.

The 25-year-old way cyclist, who won 3 medals for Australia astatine nan Paris Olympics, announced his alteration of allegiance past week connected Instagram.

Under Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) rules, cyclists who alteration nationality are not eligible to compete astatine nan adjacent version of nan World and continental Championships which travel nan day of their switch.

But AusCycling says it understands a two-year non-competition play will use to Richardson.

"We are assured nan UCI will enforce [the two-year non-competition period] arsenic per UCI regulations," said AusCycling.

Richardson, who is simply a two-time Commonwealth Games champion, was calved successful Kent but moved to Western Australia astatine nan property of nine, and maintained dual citizenship during his 16 years surviving there.

He said it had been a "difficult decision" to subordinate Team GB, adding his prime was made to "push himself to caller heights".

Jesse Korf, AusCycling executive wide head of performance, said location had been "disappointment astir nan determination and process".

"He will not compete astatine nan upcoming World Championships," said Korf.

"But nan non-competition long and clauses, that is being interrogated and looked into astatine nan infinitesimal together pinch nan UCI and ASC (Australian Sports Commission)."

The World Championships, which return spot each year, statesman successful October successful Ballerup, Denmark.

The UCI and British Cycling person not yet commented.