“I was frustrated because the motorbike was too close” - Ethan Hayter admits wrongdoing after 550 CHF middle finger salute during Tirreno-Adriatico time trial

Ethan Hayter has explained the gesture that led to a 550 CHF fine during the opening stage of Tirreno-Adriatico, admitting frustration got the better of him during the race’s fast time trial in Lido di Camaiore.

The Soudal - Quick-Step rider finished eighth in the 11.5-kilometre test, a stage dominated by Filippo Ganna as the INEOS Grenadiers rider powered to victory and the first leader’s jersey of the week.

During his effort, Hayter was caught on camera raising his middle finger, an incident that later appeared in the race’s official jury report. Speaking afterwards in comments reported by Bici Sport, the British rider said the reaction came in the heat of the moment after a motorbike followed him too closely on the course.

“I was frustrated because the motorbike was too close,” Hayter explained. “That didn’t need to happen.”

Time trials are tightly regulated environments, with strict rules governing the distance that motorbikes and other race vehicles must keep behind riders in order to avoid providing aerodynamic assistance.

Hayter suggested the proximity of the motorbike during his ride was what initially irritated him, though he acknowledged his reaction was not appropriate. “Of course I shouldn’t have made that gesture,” he said. “But especially in a time trial, there are rules about how close a motorbike is allowed to ride behind you.”

The British rider also admitted that part of his frustration came from the performance itself as the time trial unfolded. “I also have to admit that I was frustrated because my intermediate time wasn’t good.”

Hayter accepted the sanction that followed, acknowledging the responsibility for his reaction during the stage.

Despite the incident, his ride still produced one of the stronger results behind the specialist time trialists on the flat coastal course, finishing inside the top ten on the day.

As a note, per UCI's 2023/2024 updated regulations, motorbikes are required to stay at least 15-25 meters behind a rider during a time trial.

Hayter’s frustration likely stems from more than just a motorbike. In a high-stakes 2026 season where he is looking to cement his place as a premier 'all-rounder' for Soudal - Quick-Step, every second in a WorldTour time trial counts. Finishing 8th is a respectable result, but for a former world-class track specialist, the gap to Ganna might have felt wider than the clock suggested, leading to the uncharacteristic 'heat of the moment' outburst that the UCI was quick to sanction.