Ethan Hayter's journey in the cycling world is a captivating tale of resilience and ambition. Despite achieving an impressive five time trial wins in 2025, a nutrition-related issue threatened to overshadow his success. But this is just the beginning of a complex narrative that goes beyond the race results.
Hayter's first season with Soudal-QuickStep seemed promising, with a close call at the Tour of Belgium. However, the true challenges of WorldTour racing often remain unseen, hidden beneath the surface of social media and race reports.
Unveiling the Hidden Struggles of a Cyclist's Life
In 2026, Hayter, now in the final year of his contract, is taking a different approach. He's targeting stage races that emphasize his time trial prowess and sprinting abilities on hillier courses. Despite the opening team time trial in Barcelona, he won't be riding the Tour de France this year, but the Vuelta a España is on his radar.
"I'm focusing on one-week races this year, most of which include a time trial. I'm hoping to be competitive in the sprints again," Hayter explained. His race program includes the UAE Tour, Tirreno-Adriatico, Basque Country, and the Tour de Romandie, a schedule that, while seemingly manageable on paper, adds up to a demanding season.
At 27, Hayter has faced numerous obstacles in his professional career. Yet, he's never given up, always finding the strength to fight back.
And here's where it gets controversial: Hayter has never ridden the Tour de France, but he's aiming for it in 2027 when the race starts in Britain. The track events at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are also on his radar.
But it's not just road racing that excites Hayter. He's a former Omnium and Team Pursuit world champion, having won silver with Great Britain in the team pursuit at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite a disappointing slip in the final lap of the Team Pursuit gold medal race against Australia, his passion for track racing remains unwavering.
"I'd love to do more track racing, to be honest. I enjoy the variety it brings. I love different types of bike racing, and I'm fortunate to be able to experience them all. The Omnium and Madison are pure, stripped-back racing, free from team tactics."
Unfortunately, the UCI's calendar and qualification rules make it challenging for riders to combine WorldTour road racing and track racing.
Hayter hopes to continue racing on the track and is eyeing a return to the Olympics. He's also considering the World Championships at the end of the season, depending on how his career unfolds.
"To compete in the World Cups, you need to score points beforehand, and the timing or location often doesn't work out for me."
With a promising career ahead, Hayter is determined to ride the Tour de France, a goal he hopes to achieve in 2027. "I wouldn't want to end my career without experiencing the Tour de France."
Ethan Hayter's story is a reminder that success in cycling, like in any sport, is a complex journey filled with challenges and triumphs. It's a narrative that deserves to be told and celebrated.
