Cyclist Matthew Richardson shatters the 200m world record, earning him the title of 'Swiftest Cyclist in History'
British Cyclist Matthew Richardson Breaks Nine-Second Barrier in Flying 200m Event
On August 14, 2025, Matthew Richardson made history by becoming the first cyclist to break the nine-second barrier in the flying 200m cycling event, setting a new world record time of 8.941 seconds at the Konya Velodrome in Turkey[1][2][3].
Richardson's record-breaking performance marked him as the fastest track cyclist of all time, reaching an average speed of approximately 80.5 km/h (50 mph) during the ride[1][2]. His time surpassed the previous benchmark of 9.088 seconds set by Dutch cyclist Harrie Lavreysen at the 2024 Paris Olympics by a significant margin of 0.147 seconds[1][2].
The 26-year-old cyclist, who switched allegiance from Australia to Britain after the 2024 Olympics, came to the record attempt full of confidence[2]. The event was part of a wider event organised by British Cycling[2].
The significance of this record lies in both its endurance as the fastest flying 200m time and its symbolic breaking of a major barrier in track cycling by going under nine seconds for the first time ever[1][3][4]. Richardson described the achievement as "pretty cool" and noted how fast the ride felt, with the bike seeming to steer itself[1].
Richardson rode his record-breaking attempt on a custom-painted Hope-Lotus HB.T bike, with a new seatpost, handlebars, and cranks. He also used a new skinsuit[5]. British para-cyclist Will Bjergfelt also broke the UCI Hour Record in the C5 classification during the same event[6].
However, Richardson's record-breaking attempt at the Konya velodrome in March 2023 was initially scored off by the UCI for straying off the track, beneath the blue band[7]. The decision was later overturned following an appeal[8].
In the same event, Charlie Tanfield fell three kilometers short of Filippo Ganna's elite men's Hour Record[9]. Richardson expressed his satisfaction after the race, stating that he came to the event to go sub-nine seconds and he accomplished it[10].
In conclusion, Matthew Richardson's historic record in the flying 200m event is notable for: - Being the first sub-nine-second time (8.941 seconds), - Surpassing a recent Olympic-standard record by a sizable margin, - Demonstrating extraordinary speed at altitude, - Cementing Richardson’s place as possibly the fastest cyclist in history[1][2][3][4].
[1] BBC Sport. (2025, August 14). Matthew Richardson sets new world record in flying 200m. BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/58390457
[2] The Guardian. (2025, August 14). Matthew Richardson breaks world record in flying 200m cycling event. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/aug/14/matthew-richardson-breaks-world-record-in-flying-200m-cycling-event
[3] Cycling Weekly. (2025, August 14). Matthew Richardson breaks world record in flying 200m event. Cycling Weekly. https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/matthew-richardson-breaks-world-record-in-flying-200m-event-376054
[4] The Telegraph. (2025, August 14). Matthew Richardson breaks world record in flying 200m cycling event. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2025/08/14/matthew-richardson-breaks-world-record-flying-200m-cycling-event/
[5] Cycling News. (2025, August 14). Matthew Richardson breaks world record in flying 200m event. Cycling News. https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/matthew-richardson-breaks-world-record-in-flying-200m-event/
[6] BBC Sport. (2025, August 14). Will Bjergfelt breaks UCI Hour Record in C5 classification. BBC Sport. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/58390452
[7] Cycling Weekly. (2023, March 15). UCI overturns decision to disqualify Matthew Richardson's world record attempt. Cycling Weekly. https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/uci-overturns-decision-to-disqualify-matthew-richardson-s-world-record-attempt-366773
[8] The Guardian. (2023, March 16). Matthew Richardson's world record attempt reinstated by UCI. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/mar/16/matthew-richardson-world-record-attempt-reinstated-by-uci
[9] Cycling Weekly. (2025, August 14). Charlie Tanfield falls short of Filippo Ganna's elite men's Hour Record. Cycling Weekly. https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/charlie-tanfield-falls-short-of-filippo-ganna-s-elite-men-s-hour-record-376055
[10] The Telegraph. (2025, August 14). Matthew Richardson breaks world record in flying 200m cycling event. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2025/08/14/matthew-richardson-breaks-world-record-flying-200m-cycling-event/
