"Ethan Hayter is set to likely return to the Vuelta a España, as he aims to regain top form at the Tour de Pologne; a mission driven by unfinished business."
British Cyclist Ethan Hayter Set to Compete in Vuelta a España
Ethan Hayter, a British cyclist currently in his first year with Soudal-QuickStep, is expected to participate in the 2025 Vuelta a España, aiming to improve on past performances and regain top form.
Hayter's cycling career has seen him compete in various races, including the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de Pologne. However, his experience in the Vuelta a España is limited to one participation in 2022, which was cut short due to contracting COVID-19, forcing him to abandon before the race's individual time trial. This unfinished business is motivating him for a stronger showing this time.
Recently, Hayter admitted that he is still finding his top shape. He described himself as "slow and heavy" during the Giro d’Italia and early-season races. However, his debut in the National Champion's jersey in recent time trials reflects a competitive level in these disciplines, particularly in time trials, one of his key specialties.
Hayter is planning to participate in the upcoming Vuelta a España, starting August 23, after preparing at the Tour de Pologne. He aims to regain confidence and fitness at this key preparation race before tackling the Grand Tour. His prospects for improvement hinge on recovering full form and capitalizing on his time trial abilities as well as versatile racing skills.
Despite his current condition, Hayter is determined to close the "unfinished business" from the 2022 Vuelta and achieve a better overall result than previously. He expressed his intention to get through the rest of the race before heading to the Vuelta's Grand Depart, with hopes to improve his performance in the Grand Tour.
In the Giro d'Italia, Hayter managed to finish ninth in the Tirana TT despite stomach problems that affected the first week of the race. After recovering from these issues, he took a third place in the Giro's second time trial on stage 10.
Before the race in Poland, Hayter was not feeling in top condition. However, he is optimistic about improving as the season progresses, hoping to get back to how he was feeling in Belgium and the Nationals.
References:
[1] Cycling Weekly. (2025, August 1). Ethan Hayter aiming to improve on Vuelta a España unfinished business. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/ethan-hayter-aiming-to-improve-on-vuelta-a-espana-unfinished-business-408722
[2] Cyclingnews. (2025, August 2). Ethan Hayter targets Vuelta a España after Tour de Pologne. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-pologne/2025/stage-7/ethan-hayter-targets-vuelta-a-espana-after-tour-de-pologne/
Sports enthusiasts eagerly await Ethan Hayter's participation in the 2025 Vuelta a España, as he looks to build on his limited experience in this Grand Tour and surpass his earlier performance cut short by COVID-19. His preparation includes competing in the Tour de Pologne, aiming to regain his fitness and confidence for the challenging contest.
