07-Jul-2010 – Freiburg: Cervélo TestTeam’s Heinrich Haussler, who has thus far held dual citizenship—German and Australian—has decided to give up his German passport and will compete in the future with an Australian license. The administrative process is under way and will soon be concluded.

Haussler grew up in Australia as the son of an Australian mother and a German father. He moved to his father’s home country at the age of 14 to have better possibilities to pursue his sport while attending school, and has since been riding with a German license.

“It was not an easy decision to give up my German citizenship, but I came to a point in my life where I decided to follow my feelings. I had the lucky situation that I was the owner of two passports, but I feel more Australian and therefore I made the final decision to ride in the future for the country where I grew up,” said Haussler. “It was definitely a hard choice. Germany is still really important to me and I have many friends here. I would also like to take the opportunity to say thank you to all the people who have supported me along the way so far, especially the German national cycling federation.”

After changing his license, Haussler plans to stay on in Freiburg (GER), where he has an excellent environment for a professional cyclist.

Source: Cervélo TestTeam PR

Photo Courtesy of Kristof Ramon

Visit Kramon’s Flickr gallery for more images

Heinrich currently rides for UCI Professional Continental Team, Cervélo TestTeam. Born in Inverell, Australia. Heinrich moved to Germany in 1998 to pursue a career in cycling. His parents still live in Australia and most off seasons he is back home visiting friends and family.

In 2009, Heinrich finished 2nd in Milan San-Remo, 2nd in Ronde Van Vlaanderen and 7th in Paris-Roubaix. However, his biggest win so far was the amazing ride to win Stage 13 at the Tour De France. I’m sure all that were watching the ride can remember an emotional Heinrich crossing the finish line, and we all cheered when he stood on the podium.

Hope you all enjoy this 602nds interview with Heinrich.

602nds: What is the one race you would like to win before you retire from cycling?
Heinrich: For me at this point in time there are only 3 races that I want to win before I retire and they are San Remo, Flanders and Roubaix and if that is possible then one day wear the rainbow jersey as World Champion but these are things I would like to achieve. If it really happens is another question!!

602nds: What is your personal cycling goal for 2010?
Heinrich: For next year Flanders and the World Championships in Australia (that’s a big one).

602nds: Do you have a tip for someone who is just started out riding?
Heinrich: I´ve learnt especially this year you have to enjoy what you’re doing and cycling this year has been so much more fun than the years before so pretty much just go out with a good bunch of riders and have a few laughs!!

602nds: Do you have a ritual you do before all your races, or a lucky charm etc?
Heinrich: Not really but I was pretty much rooming the whole season with Jeremy Hunt a real funny guy and before every race we would always listen to White Wedding from Billy Idol at least 4 or 5 times and Jezz would always have a dance and stuff!! Always, laughing with Jezz. So that´s maybe a ritual, rooming with Jezz!!

602nds: If your iPod was broken and it could only play one song continuously.. What would it be?
Heinrich: There’s a DJ in Germany called Paul Kalkbrenner. I´m not sure if he´s that well known in Australia but there are a few songs on his album I could listen to over and over!!

602nds: If you could go out to dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?
Heinrich: I´d have to say without even thinking Megan Fox. She´s just hot that’s the only reason

602nds: If you were invited to a BBQ, what Beer should be on ice??
Heinrich: I´d drink really any beer but if I had a choice it would be Leffe Triple. It´s a Flemish beer with about 9 percent!!

602nds would like to thank Heinrich for his time and wishes him all the best for the 2010 cycling season. We will be looking forward to seeing Heinrich race the Spring Classics in April and the World Championships in Melbourne in September/October of this year.

If you would like to keep track of what Heinrich is doing, you can check out his official website.

Photo Courtesy of Kristof Ramon

Visit Kramon’s Flickr gallery for more images