Ethan Hayter, a two-time Olympic medallist on the track, is gearing up for a promising 2026 season after a challenging year. In an exclusive interview, Hayter revealed that his debut season with Soudal Quick-Step was marred by significant issues with on-the-bike nutrition, which left him 'a long way off' from his best form. Despite his struggles, Hayter's speed and class in time trials were notable, earning him a top-10 finish even when he was physically off the pace.
After five years with Ineos Grenadiers, Hayter made a strategic move to Quick-Step, aiming to rediscover the consistency and form he displayed in 2021 and 2022. However, the 27-year-old acknowledged that his results last year were merely a facade, concealing his deficiencies in other areas. Hayter attributed his physical underperformance to various factors, including a sudden change in nutrition brand for the Giro d'Italia, which caused digestive issues and bloating.
The Londoner explained that his weight management was disrupted due to the individual nature of nutrition issues, where a few products in the range caused stomach problems. This led to a cycle of compensatory eating, affecting his overall performance. Despite these challenges, Hayter is optimistic about the future, having worked on addressing these issues over the winter.
Hayter is now targeting more one-week races in the upcoming season, with a focus on WorldTour stage races. He is also planning to race in the velodrome towards the end of the year, with a potential appearance in the Tour de France on the horizon. However, the British stage of the race in 2027 may be his only chance to participate in the iconic event, as he is better suited to smaller races and finding results there.
'I’ve always been in a funny situation. There are probably more guys who are better at helping than I am, and in general I’m better at going to small races and getting results,' Hayter said. 'So the way you structure a season it doesn’t make a load of sense for me to go to the Tour. But one year I obviously really want to do it.'
Hayter's journey serves as a reminder that even the most seasoned cyclists face challenges. His transparency about his struggles with nutrition and weight management provides valuable insights for both professionals and amateurs, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues for optimal performance.
