He told us he wasn’t done… and he wasn’t kidding. Great Britain’s Matthew Richardson was back on track today, and went even faster.

News broke on the Instagram story of Richardson’s partner, Emma Finucane, that the new holder of the world flying 200 record returned to the Konya velodrome, and posted a time of 8.857 seconds – taking 0.084 off the time he set yesterday.

He posted 4.419s for his first 100m, but slowed (fractionally) in the second half, with 4.438s. That means both halves were faster than the two halves yesterday, 4.470 and 4.471 respectively.

Richardson’s decision to try a second time came as quite a surprise, a few hours after his first record ride. The UCI’s regulations around ‘special’/out-of-competition record attempts require notification ‘no later than four months prior to the attempt’, including confirmation of a two-hour time window during which multiple efforts can be made.

Media coverage only referred to an attempt on the Thursday, but we understand from our amigo TrackPiste that attempts on both Thursday and Friday had been reserved, and were noted in the official announcement.

It makes sense: there’s no reason not to reserve the extra day, even as backup in the event of an unforeseen circumstance. The regulations do allow for a delay to the following day, but only in the event of a ‘mishap’.

“There was more time on the table after yesterday’s out of sprint lane ride,” Richardson said.

“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. I knew there was more in the tank yesterday, so I was obviously really stoked about yesterday but I was hungry for more.”

The track cycling community thanks Emma Finucane, official host broadcaster for today’s event.