Ethan Hayter builds more momentum with third British time trial title

"Belgium was a great step forward," Hayter said to Domestique after his victory. "The second overall [in GC] was nice to be fighting for the win again. I've been missing that a little bit."

The British time trial specialist has shown glimpses of his potential throughout the 2025 season, beating Filippo Ganna in in a time trial at the Baloise Belgium Tour along with solid time trial performances at the Giro d'Italia. Hayter admitted he's been working to regain the level he showed in 2022.

"I was really good in 2022 and just the last couple of years not quite been as good," he explained. "I was close in the World Championships and good in the Dauphiné, so I knew I could be there. I've just been a little bit off the pace."

In his first season with Soudal Quick-Step after transferring from Ineos Grenadiers, Hayter revealed the adjustment period took time. The team has remained supportive even when results weren't forthcoming.

"Changing jobs takes a bit of time to get to know everyone and settle in," Hayter said. "Even when I was a little bit off the pace, they still really supported me. It's nice to be paying them back a little bit now."

Looking ahead, Hayter will skip the World Championships time trial in Rwanda, believing the course doesn't suit his abilities. Instead, he'll target the European Championships in, which features a more favourable profile.

"The Worlds is too hard. We're not going to send anyone for the time trial," he admitted. "The plan for me will be to do the Euros. It's a bit of a better course for me."

For next season, Hayter aims to build on his recent momentum and return to competing for overall victories in stage races featuring time trials.

"I'd like to get back to winning in the way that I was before," he said. "There were smaller stage races where there was a time trial and suddenly, I can go for the GC. Once you're in the mix, it switches in your head and you get stuck into the race."