Reigning British Champion Ethan Hayter is one of the seven new riders on Soudal Quick-Step’s roster for this season, and the 26-year-old is excited to get things started in a couple of weeks.
“It’s been pretty easy to settle in the team. I didn’t know any of the guys before apart from speaking with some of them in races, but that’s one of the many things I like about this team, that despite not knowing anybody, I immediately got a warm welcome. We have had some smooth training camps in Calpe so far, combining the photoshoots with training sessions, and I am satisfied with how things went.”
One of the most successful British riders in recent years, with a palmares that includes almost 20 victories on the road but also multiple Olympic and World medals on the track, Ethan will make his debut for the team in the Middle East, at the Muscat Classic, which will be followed by the Tour of Oman, a race where the Wolfpack has scored a total of eight wins at the previous participations, including one overall title.
March will see the Londoner compete in two hilly French races, the Ardèche Classic and Drôme Classic – scheduled on the very first weekend of the month – and Ethan is motivated to grab any opportunity that will arise, as he is keen on having a strong start to the year in the Soudal Quick-Step colors.
“It will be my first time going to Oman, which is nice, because I get a change from what I was used to. Actually, it will be my first time in the Middle East and I’m looking forward to the hilly races there. I am also looking forward to the French weekend, which should be a nice experience. Then, if all goes as planned, I am scheduled to be at the start of Catalunya, followed by Basque Country – two other important races where I could find some opportunities”, Ethan explained. “I don’t know what to expect from this season, but I do know what I want: to enjoy racing again, get some nice wins, and if this happens and I take a victory in the first weeks of the year, we’ll see what I can do next.”
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
