"The team has been patient with me" - Ethan Hayter storms to first Quick-Step win in Belgium Tour TT

Ethan Hayter has had to wait for success since swapping the INEOS Grenadiers for Soudal - Quick-Step, but on the stage 3 individual time trial of the 2025 Baloise Belgium Tour, the Brit finally secured a win for his new team, edging out former teammate Filippo Ganna in the process too.

“It feels great to get my first win of the season! It wasn’t the easiest start to the year, but the team has been patient with me and I’m happy I could repay them for their confidence and support," the British national road champion reflected afterwards in comments released as part of a Soudal - Quick-Step press release. "I liked this parcours, it was a really nice one and I enjoyed it. I felt good out there, the most nervous part was waiting in the hot seat until everybody finished.”

Thanks to the stage win, Hayter now also takes command of the general classification, with the 26-year-old holding a 2 second advantage over Ganna in the GC after three stages. “As soon as I left the start ramp, I just went full gas out there and I’m delighted with my time and with being at the top of the general classification," he adds. "A special mention to our technical partners: Specialized, for providing me the best bike there is, and Castelli, whose new CDN Time Trial suit was perfect. Together, they made the difference today. Now we will try to defend the jersey and do our best to keep it after Saturday’s stage, before shifting our attention again to helping Tim Merlier on the last day of the race.”