The investigation into British Cycling star Matthew Richardson was reportedly launched after the sprinter was alleged to have sent team-mates an offensive image referencing another GB rider.

Richardson, 27, was sent home from the Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai last month after a 'misconduct' probe into his behaviour was launched.

British Cycling began investigating the triple Olympic medallist after a formal complaint was made about his conduct, it is understood.

Richardson has been accused of using racist and discriminatory language towards others.

According to a new report by The Times, Richardson is alleged to have made discriminatory remarks about people from minority backgrounds on a regular basis.

Among the allegations are that Richardson appeared to use the n-word in six messages, as well as making offensive references to the Asian community and homophobic comments. 

The sprinter is alleged to have used racially offensive language when referencing a rider from another international team. 

The new report stated that the investigation came after riders had learned of a message Richardson had sent to other male riders on British Cycling’s world class programme.

An initial complaint was reportedly made prior to the Commonwealth Games in July.

Richardson's spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by Daily Mail Sport about the nature of the allegations he faces. 

Richardson had publicly commented last month and stated he would ‘co-operate fully’ with the investigation.

'I understand the seriousness of what has been raised in recent reports about my withdrawal from the 2026 UCI Track Cycling World Championships,’ Richardson said in a statement.

'British Cycling has said it looks into matters like this through its established procedures. I will co-operate fully with its processes. I assure everyone that I will do so properly, and appropriately and with contrition for the feelings of anyone who might be affected.

'Out of fairness to everyone involved, and on advice, like British Cycling, I will not be commenting further until any process is complete. I am deeply disappointed to miss the World Championships, and I wish the Great Britain team and every rider competing the very best.'

A British Cycling spokesperson told Daily Mail Sport: 'The wellbeing of our people is fundamental to everything we do at British Cycling. We are committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment, and any concerns raised are handled through our formal procedures.

'Any complaint is taken seriously. Allegations of misconduct are assessed carefully and thoroughly, and where evidence supports an allegation, we act promptly and appropriately.'

Richardson, who previously represented Australia before switching to represent Britain in 2024, is currently expected to return to competition on Friday at the London 3 Day at the Lee Valley VeloPark.

The event, which is not run by British Cycling, has been billed as a showdown between Richardson and his Dutch rival Harrie Lavreysen in the men’s sprint competition.

Richardson beat five-time Olympic gold medallist Lavreysen to win the sprint title at the European Championships earlier this year, ending the Dutchman’s unbeaten run in international competition, which dated back until 2019.

The sprinter last year became the first rider in history to complete the 200 metres flying lap in under nine seconds, with Richardson setting a world record mark of 8.857 seconds.

Richardson has not competed since crashing in a keirin event in Japan back in July, with injury ruling him out of the Commonwealth Games. He had been due to return at the World Championships before being withdrawn from the British Cycling squad.

A talent agency co-founded by Sir Elton John last month halted work with Richardson during the investigation.

Rocket Sports, which represents several current and former British Cycling stars, including Richardson's girlfriend Emma Finucane, had only announced the signing of the star in September.

Finucane, who won two silver and one bronze medal at the World Championships, has vowed to support him through the investigation.

Richardson and Finucane live together in Manchester and have been dating since February 2024 after 'knowing each other for a long time'.

'He's my partner and I will support him no matter what through this difficult time while this private investigation is going on, we will leave it as that,' Finucane told the BBC last month.

'I guess every major event brings its own challenges and my focus in China was my own performances and everything else that has happened around it was pretty difficult but I’m really proud of the way I showed up and the way I performed.

'I gave everything out there on the track.

'It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the process that is going on. It’s being managed by British Cycling, and I want to respect that.

'But, yeah, I’m really proud of how I showed up, and yeah, it has been difficult, too, for everyone involved.'