Professional cycling is as much a battle against the body as it is against the competition. For Ethan Hayter, his highly anticipated Giro d’Italia debut turned into a nightmare as severe stomach issues left him bloated, struggling to breathe, and unable to perform at his best. The British rider, known for his versatility and sprinting prowess, was forced to abandon the race, highlighting just how crucial digestive health is in endurance sports.
In this blog, we’ll dive into Hayter’s ordeal, explore the science behind stomach problems in cycling, and discuss how riders can manage gastrointestinal distress during races.
Ethan Hayter, a key rider for Ineos Grenadiers, entered the 2024 Giro d’Italia with high hopes. A former track world champion and a rising star on the road, Hayter was expected to compete for stage wins and support teammate Geraint Thomas in the general classification. However, his race quickly unraveled due to severe bloating and stomach discomfort.
Hayter described his symptoms in alarming detail:
“I was getting so bloated, I was struggling to breathe properly. It was like my stomach was pushing up against my diaphragm, making it hard to take deep breaths. I couldn’t eat or drink properly, and on a race like the Giro, that’s a death sentence.”
The issue became so severe that Hayter was forced to abandon the race after Stage 9, a major disappointment for both him and his team.
Digestive distress is a common but often underreported issue in professional cycling. When the body is under extreme physical stress, blood flow is diverted away from the digestive system to the working muscles, leading to:
Delayed gastric emptying (food sits in the stomach longer)
Bloating and cramping
Nausea and vomiting
Reduced ability to absorb nutrients and fluids
For Hayter, the bloating became so extreme that it interfered with his breathing—a critical function during intense efforts. Without proper nutrition and hydration, his energy levels plummeted, making it impossible to sustain the efforts required in a Grand Tour.
Several factors contribute to gastrointestinal problems in endurance athletes:
During hard efforts, the body prioritizes oxygen delivery to muscles over digestion. This slows digestion, causing food and fluids to linger in the stomach, leading to discomfort.
Eating the wrong foods before or during a race can trigger bloating and cramps. High-fiber, fatty, or overly sugary foods are harder to digest under stress.
Lack of fluids disrupts digestion, while electrolyte imbalances (especially low sodium) can cause bloating and nausea.
Nervousness before races can trigger “butterflies” and digestive slowdowns, worsening stomach issues.
Racing in hot or high-altitude conditions increases fluid loss and stresses the body further, exacerbating stomach problems.
Hayter’s ordeal serves as a cautionary tale for all cyclists. Here are key strategies to avoid similar problems:
Avoid high-fiber, fatty, or spicy foods before racing.
Stick to easily digestible carbs (gels, rice cakes, bananas).
Practice nutrition strategies in training to see what works.
Sip fluids regularly instead of chugging.
Use electrolyte drinks to maintain sodium balance.
Avoid excessive plain water, which can dilute stomach acids.
Gradually increase carb intake during long rides to improve tolerance.
Experiment with different products to find what sits well.
Avoid going into the red zone too early, as extreme efforts disrupt digestion.
Use relaxation techniques to reduce pre-race anxiety.
Chronic bloating or reflux could indicate food intolerances (e.g., lactose, gluten) or conditions like IBS.
A sports nutritionist can help tailor a plan to individual needs.
After abandoning the Giro, Hayter and his team will need to assess what went wrong and adjust his nutrition plan for future races. Stomach issues can be complex, often requiring trial and error to resolve.
Hayter remains optimistic:
“It’s frustrating, but it’s part of cycling. I’ll work with the team to figure out what happened and come back stronger.”
Ethan Hayter’s Giro d’Italia struggles highlight a critical but often overlooked aspect of professional cycling—gut health. Even the fittest athletes can be undone by digestive distress, proving that performance isn’t just about legs and lungs but also about a well-functioning stomach.
For amateur and pro cyclists alike, paying attention to nutrition, hydration, and stress management can make the difference between a successful race and a painful abandon. Hayter’s experience is a reminder that in endurance sports, the stomach is just as important as the heart.
