In a stunning display of human and technological prowess, British cyclist Matthew Richardson has twice broken the world record for the UCI Men’s Elite 200m Flying Start, powered by bespoke, 3D-printed metal components from global engineering firm Renishaw.
Competing at the Konya Velodrome in Turkey, Richardson initially stopped the clock at an astounding 8.941 seconds, becoming the first rider in history to go sub-nine seconds. This achievement eclipsed the previous world record of 9.088, held by Dutch sprinting legend Harrie Lavreysen. Less than 24 hours later, Richardson went even faster, lowering the mark to a new record of 8.857 seconds.
Richardson’s historic ride was made possible by his highly customized Hope HB.T track bike, which was fitted with Renishaw’s 3D-printed metal sprint handlebars, track cranks, and a twin seat post. Developed in collaboration with British Cycling’s engineering team, these parts were engineered for optimal stiffness, efficiency, and a rider-specific fit, allowing Richardson to maintain peak power while holding an aerodynamic position at speeds exceeding 50 mph (80.5 km/h).
The use of metal additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, allowed Renishaw to produce components with complex geometries and a superior strength-to-weight ratio that would be impossible to achieve with traditional machining. The company’s lead applications engineer, Ben Collins, highlighted the crucial role of this technology, stating, “Elite sport is one of the toughest proving grounds for any technology… To see our additive manufacturing technology contribute to Matt’s historic sub-9sec ride is a proud moment for everyone at Renishaw.”
This milestone not only underscores the remarkable talent of Matthew Richardson but also showcases the growing impact of advanced manufacturing in elite sports, where marginal gains can make all the difference between a record and a near-miss.
