Ethan Hayter will start Saturday’s fourth stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour as the leader. “I will definitely try to defend the leader’s jersey, but it won’t be easy,” realised the 26-year-old Briton.
Hayter already set the best intermediate time in the time trial and extended his lead in the second part. “Actually, I started without a plan. I went full throttle right away and was able to maintain that speed until the finish. I thought it was a very nice course. You could use all your strength on the long straights. You hardly had to brake. I started quite early, which meant I spent a lot of time in the hot seat. It was exciting, especially when Filippo Ganna came through.”
“This is my first victory for my new team, Soudal Quick-Step, and I’m very happy with it. They have been very patient with me all this time and didn’t put too much pressure on me. Now I’ve been able to give something back.”
On Saturday, he will start as leader in the queen stage in and around Durbuy. “I will try to perform as best as I can. There will probably be another sprint on Sunday, and then we can play the Tim Merlier card again.”
