Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is pleased to announce the signing of Ethan Hayter on a two-year contract, beginning on 1 January 2027.

The 28-year-old Londoner brings speed, versatility and an instinct to race aggressively. A proven time trial specialist with a strong track background, Hayter is equally capable of sprinting from reduced groups, targeting demanding one-day races and creating opportunities from the breakaway.

His racing instinct was on full display at this year’s Vuelta a España. After missing victory in the opening time trial in Monaco by the narrowest of margins, Hayter responded by going on the attack. He spent close to 180 kilometres in the breakaway the following day in pursuit of the red jersey and continued to animate the race throughout the Grand Tour, accumulating around 400 kilometres off the front in the opening ten road stages and earning three most combative rider awards.

That willingness to race rather than wait for opportunities is central to what Hayter wants to bring to his next chapter.

“I’d describe myself as a bit of an all-rounder. The last couple of years have been more focused on time trials, but I’ve also sprinted from small groups and I really enjoy harder races and stage races.

“At the Vuelta, after coming so close in the time trial, it was nice just to get stuck into the racing and go for it. That’s something I want to keep doing.

“Pinarello Q36.5 was one of the teams I really wanted to join. From the outside, it looked very well organised and like a team that was progressing really nicely. I know a few of the riders already and I felt it would be a really good fit for me.”

Hayter will also strengthen the Team’s growing British core and becomes the third London-born rider in the squad. His connection with some of his future teammates goes back much further than the professional peloton, having come through the same London cycling club as a youngster.

For Hayter, joining the Home of Cycling Innovation also represents an opportunity to work in an environment where performance development extends beyond racing itself.

“For me, innovation is about never becoming complacent. It’s always looking for ways to keep pushing and to become faster, whether that comes through training, nutrition, aerodynamics, bikes, wheels, tyres or clothing.

“Having a direct relationship with the brands is exciting because rider feedback can genuinely help make the equipment faster. We’re the ones riding and testing it every day, and that experience can be really valuable when you work together.”

That approach fits naturally with the Team’s close collaboration with its technical partners. Riders are not simply users of the equipment: their experience and feedback are part of an ongoing development process, connecting racing at the highest level directly with product innovation.

Team Principal Douglas Ryder said:

“Ethan is a racer, and that is what excites us about bringing him into this team. He has a huge engine, he is very strong against the clock and, as we saw again at the Vuelta, he is prepared to take the race on and create opportunities rather than wait for them.

“We also believe there is more to come from Ethan. He is joining an ambitious environment where riders and our technical partners work closely together to find performance. That curiosity and attention to detail fits perfectly with our vision. We’re looking forward to giving him the platform to express the full range of what he can do.”

Hayter sees that next chapter as an opportunity to combine his time trialling strength with a more aggressive and versatile race programme, while contributing to the Team when required and targeting his own opportunities when they arise.

From 1 January, a new chapter begins — with a rider built to race, attack and keep searching for speed.

Editors’ Notes

• Full name: Ethan Hayter
• Date of birth: 18 September 1998
• Nationality: British
• Place of birth: London, United Kingdom
• Current Team: Soudal Quick-Step
• Joins Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team: 1 January 2027
• Contract: Two years (2027–2028)