Lefevere not yet sold on Soudal-Quick Step newcomer Hayter: "Personally, it makes me feel uneasy"

Hayter was the fastest in the time trial of the Baloise Belgium Tour this month, where he also finished second in the overall classification. The 26-year-old British rider continued his good form at the British cycling championships, where he won the time trial gold for the third time. In 2024, he had already been the best in the road race.

Hayter's score of 0 was thus wiped off the board, but the fast rider does not yet convince Lefevere. This is not so much due to his qualities but rather because of his racing style. "I still think he's a special rider: a big engine, but always at the back of the peloton in a stage race. Our ‘poop sponsor’ Renson is on screen all the time, so they're benefiting from it."

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There are, of course, many more riders who like to hang back in the peloton, but Lefevere is not a fan. “Personally, it makes me feel uneasy. Should Hayter go to the Tour? I wouldn't do it,” is his advice. A Tour selection doesn't make much sense either, as Hayter already completed the Giro d'Italia in May and then rode the Baloise Belgium Tour after a two-week rest.

In his column, he also praises Remco Evenepoel, who became the Belgian time trial champion.