Ethan Hayter: “I want to enjoy racing again”

The British Champion talked about his hopes and goals for this season ahead of his first race in the Soudal Quick-Step colors.

“As soon as I found out the team was interested in me, I was excited, because it was a special feeling just at the thought of riding for a team with this culture and history. Coming here meant following my heart and the moment I joined the Wolfpack, I felt welcomed.

I like sprinting after a hard race and the team signed me to finish off races, so it’s exciting to see the confidence they have in me. Winning is really important for everyone, but here it’s part of the culture. Trying to win gives you goals, it gives you a purpose. The last couple of years haven’t been as good as I had wanted, but I hope to win a race anywhere, it doesn’t really matter where, and then carry that momentum into the other races. I hope and I am confident there will be opportunities.

I enjoy helping other riders and if the team will need me also for this, I will be ready to do my best. Another goal of mine is to do something nice in the time trials again, because on the right day and the right course, I have a chance of getting a good result. I was on the podium of the ITT Worlds in Australia and I would like to return to that level.

The change of scenery has been good for me. I have spent some quality time in the winter training camps in Spain, where I immediately found new ways of working, which has gotten me excited for this season. Being part of Soudal Quick-Step brings new challenges and I want to be ready for them and repay the team for believing in me. I want to enjoy every race I’m doing again and I firmly believe I can do it in this environment. I’ve had several setbacks in recent years – getting Covid, breaking my collarbone twice – but I am now prepared for a fresh start and I am determined to give my best every time I pin on a number, starting with Oman this week.

Photo credit: ©Wout Beel