The Tokyo Olympian has produced a stunning ride to win gold for Australia in a breakthrough performance as he builds towards the Birmingham Games.
Matthew Richardson has won the 2022 UCI Track Nations Cup gold medal he was chasing in Milton, dominating the men’s sprint in flawless fashion.
The West Australian looked untouchable on Day 4 in Canada, with his gold medal final opponent Jeffrey Hoogland (Netherlands) sitting up in the second race when he was unable to close the gap to Richardson’s rear wheel.
The 23-year-old’s performance solidifies what has been an international breakthrough of the highest order for the Australian Cycling Team talent, finishing on the podium five times in five events after two stops of the UCI Track Nations Cup season.
“Today was awesome – one of my favourite days I’ve ever had on my bike,” Richardson said.
“I just took confidence in my legs and raced the best way I could.
“The confidence is definitely building.
“There is still more work to be done when I get home but it’s certainly a good start to the season.
“I’ll take my experiences from these two Nations Cups and try and learn as much as possible for Commonwealth Games and the World Championships later this year.”
Richardson’s gold medal was Australia’s fourth in Milton and the the ninth podium finish for the green and gold to close out the second Nations Cup.
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Alexandra Manly picked up from where she left off yesterday in Milton, winning a silver medal with Chloe Moran in the women’s Madison.
The Australian Cycling Team duo were strong throughout the entirety of the 120 laps and launched every attack they could muster at Italy’s eventual gold medal-winning pairing of Elisa Balsamo and Chiara Consonni.
Manly and Moran finished nine points in arrears of the Italians and were one of three teams to gain a lap in the race.
In other results, three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Matthew Glaetzer was impressive early in the day, qualifying second in the men’s sprint behind Richardson’s 9.550 with a 9.558 flying 200m.
However, the South Australian’s day would unfortunately end in a quarter-final decider against Hoogland.
Australian Cycling Team rookie Graeme Frislie finished 10th in a frenetic men’s omnium, and Kristina Clonan also finished 10th in the women’s keirin.
With thanks AusCycling.
