Aussie Olympic cyclist smashes world record
Back at the high-altitude Konya Velodrome in Turkey where he had set a new record over 200m from a flying start on Thursday, becoming the first man ever to break the nine-seconds barrier, Richardson was convinced he could go quicker over a lap a day later.
And the English-born, Perth-raised flyer, who annexed three medals in the green-and-gold of Australia on the track in Paris this time last year, was as good as his word as he reduced his new landmark from 8.941 seconds to 8.857 to cement his position as the "fastest man on two wheels".
Slicing another 0.84 seconds off the record left the 26-year-old relieved and delighted that he had finally found his best form in the sprinter's lane.
"I knew there was more time on the table after yesterday's 'out of sprint lane' ride, so I knew if I came in with good execution and rode as close to the black as possible I'd go quicker -- and that's what happened," said Richardson.
"I'm feeling pretty good, a big, big relief. I knew there was more in the tank yesterday, so I was obviously really stoked about yesterday but I was hungry for more."
The two days in Turkey have represented the high point so far of Richardson's revamped career in British colours. He switched allegiance from Australia last year after his Games success, believing there would be better opportunities for him representing the country of his birth.
He did set the 200m world record briefly for Australia at the Paris Games before it was broken by his great Dutch rival and Olympic champion, Harrie Lavreysen.
Now he's managed to set two marks in 24 hours, he was asked how long he expected his new landmark to last for.
"I don't know, it's out of my control now," smiled Richardson, whose average speed during his record-breaking lap was a staggering 81.291 kilometres per hour.
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