Ethan Hayter, a renowned cyclist, is determined to bounce back in 2026 after a challenging 2025 season. He candidly admits that his performance was significantly affected by unexpected nutrition issues, which he describes as a 'long way off' from his optimal state.
Hayter, who joined Soudal Quick-Step last year after a successful stint with Ineos Grenadiers, found himself struggling to maintain his previous form and consistency. Despite competing with cycling giants like Wout van Aert and Julian Alaphilippe in the past, he now faced a different reality. But here's where it gets controversial: Hayter believes his impressive results in 2021 and 2022 masked underlying deficiencies.
During an interview in Calpe, Spain, Hayter revealed that his physical performance was far from its potential. He attributed this to a sudden change in nutrition brands, which caused digestive issues and weight management problems. And this is the part most people miss: the intricate relationship between nutrition and performance in professional cycling.
Hayter's struggles became evident in races where he was usually strong, but now found himself getting dropped due to physical, not tactical, reasons. The 27-year-old Londoner is optimistic about his upcoming season, having worked on these issues during the winter. He aims to excel in WorldTour stage races, starting with the UAE Tour and including Tirreno-Adriatico, Itzulia Basque Country, and Tour de Romandie.
While Hayter's focus is on these one-week races, he also has his sights set on the velodrome towards the end of the year. However, his dream of participating in the Tour de France will have to wait until at least 2027, when the race starts in the UK. This delay sparks a debate: should Hayter prioritize his strengths in smaller races or aim for the grandeur of the Tour de France?
What do you think? Is Hayter making the right call by focusing on his strengths, or should he take on the challenge of the Tour de France sooner? The cycling world eagerly awaits his next move.
