Britain’s men exit team sprint after Richardson withdrawal; women win silver

Great Britain’s men were knocked out in the first round of the team sprint at the World Track Cycling Championships in Shanghai after Matt Richardson’s withdrawal forced a late change. The women, meanwhile, won silver. [1]

Joe Truman, Ed Lowe and Harry Ledingham-Horn qualified fifth, then lost their opening head-to-head race to Australia, who had qualified fourth. Truman said Richardson’s absence meant the team had started “on the back foot”, but added they had put a time on the board that they could be proud of. [1]

Richardson, 27, was withdrawn on Monday amid allegations of misconduct. He said he would co-operate with a British Cycling investigation. He had also been expected to challenge for medals in the individual sprint and keirin. [1]

Emma Finucane, Sophie Capewell and Rhianna Parris-Smith were quickest in qualifying for the women’s team sprint. They beat France before losing to hosts China in the final. [1]

Elsewhere on the opening day, Britain’s women and men qualified fastest and second-fastest respectively for the team pursuit. Abigail Miller placed 17th among 24 riders in the women’s scratch race. [1]