Matthew Richardson has claimed his first national jersey for Great Britain after winning the men’s sprint final at the Lloyds National Track Championships in Manchester.

The 25-year-old caused a stir in the aftermath of the Paris Olympics after announcing a switch of nationality from Australia to Great Britain - the country of his birth before his family moved when he was nine.

Richardson made the announcement in the days following the conclusion of the Games, where he won two silver medals and a bronze for Australia.

On Friday, he earned his first British national champion jersey after beating Pete Mitchell 2-0 in the men’s sprint final.

Reflecting on his victory, Richardson said afterwards: “It feels pretty good, I was looking forward to racing nationals, it felt really good to be out here racing so to get out there, first race, first win.”

“I wouldn’t say I’ve really dreamt of this day, but I kind of have in a way,” Richardson told Cycling Weekly. “Swapping nationality meant that I would race British Nationals, and I’ve always watched it on YouTube on the replay.

“I’m keen for the photos after this, to get the perspective of what it looks like in the stripey jumper. I’m looking at it now, and it feels pretty sweet.”

The former Australian said the event was one of his most difficult days.

“It wasn’t the hardest day I’ve ever had on the bike,” he said, “but I held everyone to a high standard and I took everyone seriously. I didn’t underestimate anyone. I feel like I raced everyone with my respect. I tried my absolute hardest.”

The first day of action at the National Championships also saw Anna Morris claim victory in the women’s scratch race, while Josh Charlton won the men’s individual pursuit.