Great Britain's Ethan Hayter out of Olympic time-trial... To focus on track events

Ethan Hayter over the past few years has been having quite a lot of issues getting the results he used to have, seemingly losing the edge as a sprinter. He remained a quality rider in the time-trials and looked set to be an outsider for the medals in the Olympic Games but it has been confirmed this morning that he will not start.

It looked as if the news were to be confirmed, as the race organizers shared the start times this Tursday evening and the list did not include the Briton, despite him being in the startlist - together with compatriots Joshua Tarling, a candidate for the gold medal. Hayter's absence is justified by his equal focus on the track events. Certainly not the best news for a nation that has plenty quality time-trialists and now has an empty spot for this Saturday's event.

The team wrote on social media this morning: "Ethan Hayter will no longer participate in the time-trial event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He will now join up with the track squad as he prepares to race in the team pursuit, omnium and madison events."

The 25-year old is on his way out from INEOS Grenadiers this season according to reports but his next destination is still unknown. Having won the British national championships a month ago it seemed to save his season, he hadn't shown any significant result until then, but his focus on the track means he may also not present himself at the best level throughout the remaining road season.