, external<\/span><\/a> after his application with cycling’s governing body the Union Cycliste Internationale was successful, Richardson said it had been a “difficult decision” to make and not one he “took lightly”. <\/p>\nThe two-time Commonwealth Games champion wrote: “It was a personal choice, made after careful consideration of my career and future. <\/p>\n
“It’s not something I decided on quickly or easily. I deeply respect Australia and the AusCycling Team and it will always be a part of who I am.<\/p>\n
“But this decision is about following my passion and pushing myself to new heights.”<\/p>\n
Jesse Korf, AusCycling executive general manager of performance, said the move had come as a “surprise” and it was “disappointing that Richardson would be leaving a program that had delivered great personal and national success”. <\/p>\n
Korf added: “We also understand that the desire to compete for a country one was born in can bring forth strong emotions.”<\/p>\n
Richardson won silver in the individual sprint and keirin at Paris 2024, plus a bronze medal in the team sprint. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n