Hagens Berman Axeon's Leo Hayter was this weekend crowned the winner of the Giro d'Italia Under 23 with a remarkable race. Ethan Hayter's brother was no unknown, having an U23 Liège-Bastogne-Liège win in his palmarès already, however this past week his value has increased exponentially after a dominant win in one of the most important events for under-23 riders.
“I don’t have many words to be honest. I didn’t expect it and it’s a privilege to wear and keep the maglia rosa. I was actually a reserve rider and I was hoping to win a stage, I did that, and I exceeded my expectations so I’m really pleased," the Briton said at the end of the race. Hayter won the race with 2:12 minutes over Lennert Van Eetvelt and 4:55 minutes over Lenny Martínez, a win built on his two stage wins on stages two and three.
Stage three most noticeably, saw him take almost five minutes to his closest competitor, in the time span of only approximately 30 false-flat kilometers. After he had been distanced by Lenny Martínez in the main climb of the day, he reeled back several minutes and put on a dominating performance that is rarely seen in any rank of the sport. Throughout the rest of the race, the time won on those two stages was enough to keep his calm and collected in the pink jersey, which he confirmed this Saturday in Pinerolo.
Team DS Axel Merckx has also commented that “after yesterday who wouldn’t want him? Winning two stages in the Giro, and the way he won them. I think his agent will have a lot of phone calls." With 20 years of age and no contract yet for 2023, Hayter is set to be one of the most disputed riders in the World Tour surely for the upcoming transfer season.
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