Ethan Hayter out of European Track Championships and early-season racing following collarbone fracture

It has not been the brightest of starts to the season for Ethan Hayter, but the situation has worsened as the INEOS Grenadiers rider recently crashed and fractured a collarbone, and will have to sit out of competition for some weeks at the very least.

The Briton had an astounding development over the last two seasons with the British team, having won 15 races including World Tour events, stage-races, sprints and even time-trials. The versatile Briton is hoping for another successful year but he will have to do it following a difficult opening month as before he left Australia to return to Europe, he has suffered a crash and a broken collarbone.

INEOS confirmed the information, with Hayter missing out on the Track European Championships. Races such as the Volta ao Algarve where he raced last year should also be out of the picture for the time being, the Briton will be recovering before building back on his form in an attempt to perform in the spring.

Hayter was a leading contender to win the Tour Down Under and Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, however did not show his best form, as the team worked for Magnus Sheffield's goals. Hayter finished the Tour Down Under in 18th position and should be returning to competition in March now.