Ethan Hayter hints at Grand Tour debut, and "nice step" towards climbing evolution

Ethan Hayter has completed the recent Crit´érium du Dauphiné in great form, as he contested the sprints alongside Wout van Aert, aswell as the time-trials however didn't manage to net a win. Nevertheless, many positive signs came from the Briton's week, including a ride into 15th place in the overall classification.

“I’d say it was a bit of a surprise - for myself and the team. A nice surprise, though. It was a bit of an unknown for me. With my weight, along with the power I have in the TT, I should climb well," he told the media after the French race. Having proved himself already on the uphill, it didn't come as such a big surprise to many as Hayter defended himself in the mountains, however it was a step as he tested his capabilities. 

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"It went pretty well. It’s a good sign going forward," Hayter said. Last year at the Tour of Britain he had already put himself on the map as a world-class puncheur, which he's shown again this year, carrying aswell a sprinting capability that has his resemble the likes of Michael Matthews. Hayter can also time-trial extremely well, which has him as a contender for some stage-races, and that includes at World Tour level.

“I definitely have options. You don’t really know until you get there. Hopefully I keep improving on everything. And start beating Van Aert," he jokingly added. He's almost mentioned that he has his eyes on a Grand Tour debut in 2022, which "would be a nice step in my progression".

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“I don’t know about the Tour. If I don’t do the Tour then hopefully I’ll do the Vuelta. There’ll be some great opportunities there as well. It won’t be a big problem for me if I don’t do the Tour," he said. He hinted that a Grand Tour is likely to happen this year and it is with certainty that the Briton will be riding the Vuelta a España, which traditionally suits riders like him very well with a large amount of hilly stages.