Ethan Hayter wins the second stage of the Tour de Romandie, Romain Bardet 3rd

After Ethan Vernon on the first leg, another Ethan won in Romandie, Thursday, on the second. Ethan Hayter (Ineos Grenadiers) sprinted the small group that fought for victory at La Chaux-de-Fonds. Winner of the prologue of the event last year, the 24-year-old Briton confirms that he likes Switzerland, well taken this Thursday by his teammates in the final stretch.

This success allows him to take the leader’s yellow jersey in Vernon, dropped earlier during a hilly stage, with 6 seconds ahead of Tobias Foss (Jumbo-Visma) and Frenchman Rémi Cavagna (Soudal-Quick Step ). A nest egg that he could consolidate on Friday, during a 19 kilometer time trial with a bump in the middle. “I’m pretty comfortable in the time trial, with a nice climb, that suits me well”he judges.

Ayuso and Bardet confirm

Behind Hayter, Juan Ayuso took second place and confirms his return to form. Already author of a solid prologue (13th) when he was just starting his season after seven months off (tendinitis), the Spaniard is the best ranked among the favorites for the final victory.

Another confirmation, that of Romain Bardet: fourth the day before, the Auvergnat won a place (and the 4 seconds of bonuses that go with it) and went back to 7th place overall.