"I wasn’t merely slightly off my game; I was significantly underperforming," Ethan Hayter candidly reflects on his ambitions for 2026 following a challenging year.
Ethan Hayter, a promising British cyclist, has opened up about the difficulties he faced with on-the-bike nutrition that severely impacted his inaugural season with Soudal Quick-Step last year. He expressed that, "at numerous races, I found myself not just a little off, but far from my best."
After spending five years with Ineos Grenadiers, the London native transitioned to Quick-Step with hopes of rediscovering the form and consistency that marked his performances in 2021 and 2022. During those seasons, he frequently competed against, and even triumphed over, renowned cyclists such as Wout van Aert and Julian Alaphilippe.
However, the 27-year-old athlete revealed in conversations with Cycling Weekly and Cyclingnews during his team’s media day in Calpe, Spain, that his notable performances were only a façade, concealing deeper issues affecting his overall performance. "I wasn’t physically executing anywhere close to my potential, and there were numerous factors at play."
Reflecting on the Giro d’Italia, he recounted, "I was informed just a few weeks prior that I would be participating, and I struggled significantly with the switch in nutritional brands. While most of the team adjusted without issue, a select few of us encountered problems unique to our bodies."
"With the volume of food I needed to consume, I often felt extremely bloated from certain products, which led to poor digestion. I participated in several races where I typically excelled, yet I found myself unable to keep up, and it was not due to tactical errors but rather physical limitations."
He elaborated on how these challenges affected his weight management, stating, "When you’re finely tuned as an athlete, even slight changes can throw you off. If you’re not processing food effectively and facing stomach issues, you might try to compensate by eating more at other times, which can complicate matters further."
Hayter emphasized the complexities involved in competitive cycling that many outsiders may not understand. "We’ve been diligently working to address these issues over the winter, and I’m hopeful for a much improved season this year—fingers crossed!"
Despite encountering these nutritional hurdles, Hayter showcased his impressive speed and skills in time trials. "I managed to perform reasonably well in time trials last year, especially in events lasting under an hour," he noted. "Even when facing nutrition-related challenges, the quality of my equipment allowed me to still achieve top-10 finishes, despite being physically off my game."
He acknowledged the disparity between his performances on the road and in time trials, indicating that various factors contributed to this gap. "There were moments, such as during the Tour of Belgium, where I performed well and felt I was nearing my desired level."
Hayter admitted to feeling frustrated with his performance, especially after joining a new team and wanting to establish himself positively right from the outset.
Looking ahead, Hayter is optimistic that these challenges are behind him. He plans to kick off his season at the UAE Tour, followed by participation in Tirreno-Adriatico, Itzulia Basque Country, and Tour de Romandie, focusing on WorldTour stage races. "This year, I’m aiming for more one-week races, as we believe this strategy aligns better with my program," he explained.
"Most of these races include a time trial and hopefully some reduced sprint opportunities, giving me a chance to be competitive. With intervals between each event, I should be able to prepare effectively and arrive in good shape for each race."
As a two-time Olympic medalist on the track, Hayter also plans to compete in velodrome events later in the year. However, his expected inclusion in the Vuelta a España means that his first appearance at the Tour de France will have to wait until at least 2027, when the iconic race commences in the UK.
"I find myself in a unique situation," he remarked. "There are likely many athletes who excel at securing wins better than I do, and I generally thrive in smaller races. Therefore, it doesn’t entirely make sense to structure my season around the Tour. Yet, I certainly aspire to participate in it one day."
This journey showcases not only his resilience but also opens up questions about the interplay between nutrition, physical performance, and the challenges professional cyclists face. What are your thoughts on the importance of nutrition in sports? Do you think Hayter's struggles are a common issue among athletes? Let's discuss!
