Former Australian cyclist Katherine Bates has revealed Matthew Richardson’s defection to Great Britain caught his former teammates off guard, describing it as “a break-up you never saw coming”.

On Monday, Richardson penned an emotional Instagram post revealing he would represent Great Britain going forward, with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) approving the switch this week.

The 25-year-old, who made his Olympic debut in Tokyo three years ago, won three medals at the Paris Games earlier this month, including silver in Sprint and Keirin events and bronze in the Team Sprint.

“Switching nationality was a difficult decision, and not one I took lightly,” Richardson explained.

“It was a personal choice, made after careful consideration of my career and future. It’s not something I decided on quickly or easily.

“I hope you can understand and support me as I continue to give my best in the sport I love.”

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In the interview with The Telegraph, Richardson revealed he had conducted secret meetings with Great Britain’s assistant men’s sprint coach Jon Norfolk and British Cycling performance director Stephen Park during March’s Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup in Hong Kong.

Fearing deselection, Richardson didn’t tell anyone at Cycling Australia about his looming defection while preparing for the Paris Olympics.

Speaking on the ABC Sport Daily podcast this week, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Bates confessed Australia’s athletes felt “blindsided” by Richardson’s departure following years of support from AusCycling.

“There’s a lot of people this morning who just can’t believe it and some who are feeling, personally, quite let down because they were blindsided by it,” Bates said.

“Others who are feeling a little bit ripped off because supporting him over the years has come at the direct cost of supporting other athletes.”

Bates, who represented Australia at the Olympics in 2004 and 2008, also questioned why Richardson didn’t make the switch earlier in his career.

“I think the tie to your country is very strong but, in saying that, if there is that tie, then I’m not really sure why he wouldn’t have made this leap years ago,” Bates continued.

“It doesn’t really sit right with me that if that was the case all along why he went down this path with AusCycling.”

AusCycling declared its disappointment after Richardson, who was born in Kent and moved to Australia as a nine-year-old, confirmed he would now represent his nation of birth.

“The announcement of Matt’s switch is disappointing and came as a surprise,” AusCycling Executive GM of Performance Jesse Korf said in a statement.

“We also understand that the desire to compete for a country one was born in can bring forth strong emotions.”

RICHARDSON’S FULL STATEMENT

I have made the decision to pack up my entire life and move half way across the world to begin the next chapter in my cycling career. It is with a sense of excitement and renewal I announce I have joined the Great British Cycling Team.

Switching nationality was a difficult decision, and not one I took lightly. It was a personal choice, made after careful consideration of my career and future. It’s not something I decided on quickly or easily. I deeply respect Australia and the Aus Cycling Team and it will always be a part of who I am. As this new chapter in my life begins, I would like to sincerely thank the coaches and support staff who have worked with me over many years in Australia. Special mention to Midland Cycle Club, WAIS and Aus Cycling with personal thanks to the two biggest coaching influences in my career, Clay Worthington and Matt Crampton. I want to say a huge thank you to my teammates for everything we’ve been through together. You’ve been there for the highs and the lows, and I’m so grateful for all the support, laughter, and hard work we’ve shared.

But this decision is about following my passion and pushing myself to new heights. This isn’t about leaving something behind, but about embracing a new chapter in my journey and chasing a dream, a dream that is to race for the county in which I was born.

I hope you can understand and support me as I continue to give my best in the sport I love.