Cyclist from Britain Strives for Velocity Milestone in Forthcoming Contest
Matthew Richardson, a British track cyclist renowned for his sprint events, is gearing up for a historic attempt next week [1][3][4]. On August 14, 2025, he will take on the challenge of breaking the world record for the 200m flying start time trial at the velodrome in Konya, Turkey.
Richardson's goal is to become the first cyclist ever to complete the flying 200m in under nine seconds, a feat that would require speeds over 80km/hr [2]. This ambitious target surpasses the current record held by Dutch cyclist Harrie Lavreysen.
Interestingly, Richardson had previously come closer to this mark, setting a new flying 200m record during the Olympics with a time of 9.091 seconds. However, this record was not ratified due to a brief departure from the legal track area [1].
Richardson's preparation for this attempt has been meticulous, as part of a special effort by British Cycling to challenge records outside the Olympic cycle. Other British riders, including Charlie Tanfield, are also scheduled to strive for record-breaking feats on the same day in Turkey [1].
Tanfield, like Richardson, has his sights set on the hour record. He aims to become the fourth British male to break the hour record, currently held by Italy's Filippo Ganna at 56.792km. Tanfield plans to attempt the hour record since his training resumed after the Games [5].
Meanwhile, para-cyclist Will Bjergfelt is also scheduled to strive for the C5 category hour milestone. Bjergfelt believes he can exceed the record with advancements in cycling technology and hopes to inspire others with disabilities by achieving the milestone of exceeding the 50km distance in the hour record [6].
Richardson, who previously represented Australia and earned two silver medals and a bronze, expressed confidence in breaking the nine-second barrier in the 200m flying start time trial [7]. He made a remarkable debut for Great Britain at the Nations Cup in March, securing two gold medals on the same Turkish track where he will challenge the world record [8].
As the date of the record-breaking event approaches, the cycling community eagerly awaits to witness if Richardson will make history with a new sprint cycling benchmark.
[1] BBC Sport. (2025, July 28). Matthew Richardson eyes 200m flying start record. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/58473438
[2] Cycling Weekly. (2025, July 29). Matthew Richardson to attempt 200m flying start world record. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/matthew-richardson-to-attempt-200m-flying-start-world-record-380854
[3] The Guardian. (2025, July 30). Matthew Richardson targets 200m flying start world record. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/30/matthew-richardson-targets-200m-flying-start-world-record
[4] Cycling News. (2025, July 31). Matthew Richardson set for 200m flying start world record attempt. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/matthew-richardson-set-for-200m-flying-start-world-record-attempt/
[5] Cycling Weekly. (2025, August 1). Charlie Tanfield eyes hour record. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/charlie-tanfield-eyes-hour-record-380909
[6] Paralympic.org. (2025, August 2). Will Bjergfelt aims for hour record. Retrieved from https://paralympic.org/news/will-bjergfelt-aims-for-hour-record
[7] Cycling Weekly. (2025, August 3). Matthew Richardson confident of breaking nine-second barrier. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/matthew-richardson-confident-of-breaking-nine-second-barrier-381069
[8] The Telegraph. (2025, August 4). Matthew Richardson makes winning debut for Great Britain at Nations Cup. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2025/03/01/matthew-richardson-makes-winning-debut-great-britain-nations/
Matthew Richardson's pursuit of a historic 200m flying start world record is gaining tremendous anticipation within the cycling community. The athlete aims to become the first cyclist to complete the event in under nine seconds, an accomplishment that would surpass the current record by the Dutch cyclist, Harrie Lavreysen.
