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.”
The surprise that Haussler will be seen on today. 
Like most of the male pros using Shimano’s new Dura-Ace 12-speed shifting, Haussler uses 54/40T gearing. 
Heino. 
The Australian national anthem sits on the top tube with stars of the Southern Cross. 
White on white on white. 
The Merida Reacto uses the Vision Metron 5D ACR one-piece handlebar. 
Plenty of masking and fading was done to achieve this finish. 
The custom paint on this one is rather tastefully done. 
There will be no mistaking Haussler in the bunch with this bike. 
The Aussie bike is set up with Vision’s rather new Metron 60 SL Disc wheels. 
We’re told this is Haussler’s race-day setup. If true, then that includes 28 mm Continental GP5000 S TR tubeless tyres. 
28 mm and tubeless. 
A boxing Kangaroo sits front and centre of the handlebar. 
The Merida Reacto has long been an aero race platform with a good level of comfort. This latest generation of the Reacto uses a seatpost with a designed flex point. 
More Southern Cross stars.