(Renishaw: West Dundee, IL) -- Renishaw’s metal additive manufacturing technology has helped Great Britain’s track cyclist Matthew Richardson become the first cyclist in history to break the 9-second barrier in the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Men’s Elite 200 m Flying Start. Then, 24 hours later, Richardson broke his own world record by 0.084 seconds with a new time of 8.857 seconds.

Richardson’s custom Hope HB.T track bike was equipped with Renishaw’s 3D-printed metal components, including sprint handlebars, track cranks, and a twin seat post designed for maximum stiffness, aerodynamic efficiency, and a rider-specific fit. These parts helped Richardson deliver sustained, peak power while maintaining aerodynamic form at more than 50 mph (80.5 km/h). At the Konya Velodrome in Turkey, Richardson’s fastest time shaved 0.231 seconds off the previous world record held by Harrie Lavreysen of the Netherlands.

“Elite sport is one of the toughest proving grounds for any technology,” says Ben Collins, lead applications engineer at Renishaw. “The demands placed on these bikes, from aerodynamic precision to structural integrity, are extraordinary. To see our additive manufacturing technology contribute to Matt’s historic ride is a proud moment for everyone at Renishaw.”

By working closely with the British Cycling engineering team, Renishaw’s additive manufacturing team developed components with complex geometries and weight-to-strength ratios that traditional manufacturing can’t achieve. This level of customization allows riders like Richardson to achieve the optimal blend of comfort, efficiency, and power transfer, crucial factors at the highest level of competition.

Richardson’s record is part of a growing list of world-class achievements powered by Renishaw’s additive manufacturing expertise as it continues to deliver measurable performance gains through precision engineering.