Ethan Hayter positive on "room for improvement" at INEOS Grenadiers

Ethan Hayter is one of INEOS Grenadiers' gems, an important card for the team as the Briton is one of the most versatile and talented riders in the peloton.

"We’d done some, but nothing crazy specifically for that prologue. I’m naturally good at those five- to 10-minute efforts, and I’ve been progressing with time trials..." Hayter told CyclingWeekly. Hayter has become one of the best all-rounders in the peloton, thriving in every terrain besides the high mountains - where he's shown at the Critérium du Dauphiné that he's capable of defending himself.

"My longer-duration numbers are at a lower level relative to my shorter-duration numbers, but that’s almost natural having done the track for so long and having not ridden up mountains too often. I’ve room for improvement," Hayter added. With wins in time-trials, sprints and hilly stages over the last year, the Briton has been a very successful rider despite the limitations that come from being in such a strong squad.

Although INEOS' focus in the general classifications, and now cobbled classics of many races, Hayter finds himself in a place where he doesn't fit in the main plans of the teams. However he's found his place in the team, and has taken four wins this season - and many other podium places across several races.

"Generally, I think pro riders are more versatile now – everyone is getting better at training; it’s part of the whole professionalisation of cycling," he said of his evolution. A rather unusual type of rider, however one who can succeed massively - specially as at 23 years of age he has a lot of time to evolve.

His training he says, hasn't changed much through the year: "...Obviously the volume is higher compared to when I was riding track, but I think you just get better over time. You learn with experience when to rest and when to push on in training," Hayter said.