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Kimberly Kalee’s team sprint title defence in Shanghai

◆2 sources

Track cyclist Kimberly Kalee was due to defend the world title in the women’s team sprint in Shanghai with Hetty van de Wouw and Steffie van der Peet. The Dutch trio won the title the previous year in Chile and was scheduled to compete on Wednesday.

Kalee, described in one report as the team’s starter, said the aim was to reach the podium and win another title, while acknowledging the result was uncertain. The reports also identified the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as her longer-term objective.

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Matthew Richardson withdrawn from World Track Cycling Championships

8 sources

British track cyclist Matthew Richardson was withdrawn from the British squad for the World Track Cycling Championships in Shanghai, where he had been expected to be a leading rival of Dutch sprinter Harrie Lavreysen. The British cycling federation confirmed that Richardson had left the team but gave no reason. Several reports, citing British media, said his withdrawal came amid an investigation into alleged discriminatory messages, comments and behaviour; the allegations have not been detailed by the federation. Lavreysen and Dutch national coach Hugo Haak said they regretted Richardson’s absence and would have preferred to face the strongest opposition. Lavreysen said his focus remains on defending his three world titles in the keirin, individual sprint and team sprint. He is skipping the kilometre time trial to have an additional rest day during the championships.