Elia Viviani sees his biggest opponent at Olympic Games in teammate Ethan Hayter: "In top shape he is difficult to even just follow"

The one day Elia Viviani had marked in his calendar long time ago is rapidly approaching. One of the reasons for the Italian to join Ineos Grenadiers in 2022 were his Paris Olympics ambitions. Yet by a turn of events, his greatest rival might be actually his teammate.

This would already fourth Olympic Games start for the 34-year-old Italian. "The goal is for sure to try again to go for gold. Omnium is the main day for me. 8 August is that day of my season," Viviani, who has already taken gold in Omnium at 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, told Cyclingnews.

Viviani doesn’t have to look too far for an insight on whom he believes will be his biggest rival in the men’s omnium either, naming his British teammate Ethan Hayter as the main man to beat. "But it’s going to be good to have a teammate as a rival in that event," he thinks.

The Italian believes that GB's performance at the recent European Track Championships, is indicative of what the level will be at the Olympics. And regarding Hayter specifically, he says, "I think, Ethan in top shape is the guy who is difficult even to follow. For sure Ethan is the man to beat."