Ethan Hayter opens 2023 account with victory on stage one of Itzulia Basque Country
Brit returns to form after collarbone fracture earlier this year
British time trial champion Ethan Hayter earned his first victory of the season on stage one of Itzulia Basque Country, outkicking the pack into the town of Labastida.
The Ineos Grenadiers rider, set up by his team-mate Omar Fraile, was the first to launch his sprint on the uphill finish, and held off Mauro Schmid (Soudal Quick-Step) and Jon Aberasturi (Trek-Segafredo) to the line.
Hayter’s victory comes just two months after he broke his collarbone in a crash at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, which derailed his early-season calendar and forced him to miss the European Track Championships.
“It takes a bit of time to come back,” Hayter told the media after his victory in Spain. “[The Volta a] Catalunya was really hard and I was going alright, but actually those guys [Primož Roglič and Remco Evenepoel] were flying. It’s really nice to come here and pay my team back for what they’ve been doing for me.”
Recounting the final kilometres of Monday's 165.4km stage from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Labastida, Hayter revealed that things almost didn’t go to plan. “I actually went through a bad patch,” he said. “I think maybe I didn’t drink quite enough or something and I was really struggling.
“Luckily I got back to the guys, they were obviously in the perfect position and there was crosswind. It wasn’t really strong, but when you’re going that speed, it makes a difference.”
“My team really backed me even after I wasn’t amazing in Catalunya, but I’ve stepped up I think and they were all in for me today. I’ve just got to thank them.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Asked if he is back to his top form, Hayter said: “I still think I’m getting better. I was quite sick last week, well, not sick, I had a cold, I think everyone was super tired from Catalunya. I had a lot of recovery and hopefully keep getting better every race.”
The Brit will wear the yellow jersey as the race leader on Tuesday’s second stage, which heads north east from Viana to Leitza. Among those also present at the hilly, six-day event are David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ), Enric Mas (Movistar), Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) and last year's Itzulia winner Dani Martínez (Ineos Grenadiers), none of whom lost time on stage one.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Tom joined Cycling Weekly as a news and features writer in the summer of 2022, having previously contributed as a freelancer. He is fluent in French and Spanish, and holds a master's degree in International Journalism, which he passed with distinction. Since 2020, he has been the host of The TT Podcast, offering race analysis and rider interviews.
An enthusiastic cyclist himself, Tom likes it most when the road goes uphill, and actively seeks out double-figure gradients on his rides. His best result is 28th in a hill-climb competition, albeit out of 40 entrants.
-
The Oura ring reviewed: is this wellness tracker helpful to cyclists?
With its focus on recovery and wellness, the Oura ring offers unique insights but is it worth the investment over other wearables?
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Shimano RC703 road shoe review: sleek, stiff and robust
Shimano's second-tier offering combines a rigid carbon sole with handy Boa dials and protective toe caps
By Sam Gupta Published
-
'I can't wait to wear the bands' - Ethan Hayter beats Lewis Askey at British national road race
The Ineos Grenadiers rider triumphed from a select group of three, which also included Max Walker
By Adam Becket Published
-
Lotte Kopecky wins two European track titles in 19 minutes
Belgian stars on day four, as Great Britain also add two golds to their tally
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Keisse's last stand - Five riders to watch at Ghent-Six 2022
Belgian rider Iljo Keisse is due to compete for the final time along with British stars Ethan Hayter and Fred Wright
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
GB's Neah Evans claims stunning first world title on final day of Track World Championships
Great Britain finishes with 10 medals, after Madison silver and elimination race bronze
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
Ethan Hayter bags second gold for GB on Track World Championships day four
The Brit brought his country's medal tally to seven as he retained his omnium title
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
Great Britain claim 'dream' victory in team pursuit on Track World Championships day two
Italy and Great Britain faced off twice in the team pursuit finals, earning a gold medal each
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Laura Kenny and Ethan Hayter headline Great Britain squad for Track World Championships
The 20-rider team will compete in Paris next week
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
Ethan Hayter flies his parents to Australia for the World Championships
British rider has bounced back from Covid to be one of the spearheads of a strong youthful squad
By Adam Becket Published