Gallery: One very Aussie bike for Heinrich Haussler at Worlds
Gallery: One very Aussie bike for Heinrich Haussler at Worlds
Heinrich “Heino” Haussler is in his 19th year as a professional cyclist. Yet, Wollongong is the first and surely only time the Australian has represented his country on home turf.
As a former Australian road champion (2015), Haussler was surprised with a special Australian-themed bike just for Worlds. “It was a massive surprise from Merida and the team (Bahrain-Victorious),” said Haussler when CyclingTips asked about the bike.
“It only just arrived in Wollongong three nights ago. I got it late in the evening, unpacked it and couldn’t believe my eyes. I was just so happy and almost had tears in my eyes. Was like being a little kid at Christmas again!”
Born in the small New South Wales town of Inverell, Haussler spent the early years of his career racing as a German citizen. With dreams of racing in the green and gold of Australia, Haussler was forced to hand in his German citizenship in 2010.
Speaking with CyclingTips earlier this year, Haussler raised a key goal. “One personal goal this year would be to put on an Australian jersey representing Australia in Wollongong. That would be an absolute highlight of my career. Cycling has given me so much, has let me see things I would never have if I stayed in that small town in Australia.”
At 38 years of age, Haussler doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Overnight it was announced that he has signed on for another year with Bahrain-Victorious.
Heinrich’s Worlds bike, covered below, is a custom-painted Merida Reacto, the company’s well-rounded aero race bike. “[I] really love and appreciate what Merida has done for me. It means a lot and can’t wait to race on it on Sunday.”
