🔥 From Best Mates to Bitter Rivals:

Once upon a time, Matt Richardson and Leigh Hoffman were more than just teammates – they were inseparable. Bonded by years of training camps, shared podiums, and the grind of elite competition, they were the golden boys of Australian track sprinting. Together, they formed one of the most dominant sprint duos in recent memory – best friends off the track, and near-unbeatable on it.

But in elite sport, loyalty doesn’t always last forever.

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In 2024, Richardson made a shock move that stunned fans and teammates alike. After a string of personal decisions and changes in direction, he officially switched national allegiance – leaving behind Team Australia 🇦🇺 to represent Great Britain 🇬🇧. When he pulled on the GB skinsuit for the first time, it marked more than just a change in colours. It signalled the beginning of a brand-new chapter – and the end of his partnership with Hoffman.

That decision has transformed the former friends into two of the fiercest rivals in the sport.

And now, for the first time since Richardson’s switch, the two will face off in a high-stakes, three-day battle on British soil. The stage? The London 3 Day – one of track cycling’s fastest-growing events, returning for its second edition at Lee Valley VeloPark from October 31 to November 2. 🏟️

This year’s L3D introduces men’s and women’s sprint competitions for the first time – and Richardson vs Hoffman is shaping up to be the headline act. Over three action-packed days, the pair will meet across both the Sprint and Keirin disciplines, with each round promising fireworks. It’s not just about medals anymore – it’s about pride, legacy, and unfinished business.

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The tension will hit new heights on Friday night, where both riders will attempt to break the flying 200m world best time. They’ll be joined by six other elite sprinters in a blockbuster showdown: Great Britain vs The Rest of the World. With national pride and personal records on the line, every pedal stroke will count. ⏱️

But this isn’t just about speed. It’s about history. A friendship fractured. A rivalry born. And a battle that’s been brewing for over a year.

The London 3 Day is rapidly becoming a magnet for the world’s top talent – and 2025 is no exception. Alongside Richardson and Hoffman, the sprint fields are stacked with Olympic medallists, World Champions, and rising stars. And with the event’s evolving format bringing even more intensity to the track, the atmosphere inside the velodrome is set to be electric. ⚡

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Richardson vs Hoffman might be the headline, but it’s just one part of what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of racing. For fans of speed, drama, and elite sport at its most personal – this is the showdown you’ve been waiting for.