Heinrich Haussler: From Gritty Racer to Guiding Hand – A New Chapter as Sports Director
On April 7, 2023, Australian cycling stalwart Heinrich Haussler officially hung up his racing cleats at the age of 39, closing a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades. Now, the former Tour de France stage winner begins an exciting new chapter as an Assistant Sports Director with BORA-hansgrohe, bringing his wealth of experience and indomitable spirit to the next generation of cyclists.
Haussler’s transition into his new role feels like a natural progression. Reflecting on the journey, he shared: “I’m really looking forward to this new challenge. After I had to retire due to heart problems, I initially joked with Rolf Aldag about a future as a Sports Director. But as we talked, the idea grew more serious. I’ve always had a great relationship with Rolf and immense respect for his expertise, so the opportunity to work with him was something I couldn’t pass up. Conversations with Ralph Denk further solidified my belief that BORA-hansgrohe is the perfect team for this new phase of my career.”
Haussler’s legacy as a rider is steeped in hard-earned victories and unforgettable performances. During his prime, he claimed stage wins at both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España and finished a heartbreaking yet celebrated second place at the 2009 edition of Milano-Sanremo. His time with Bahrain-Victorious in the latter stages of his career only added to his reputation as a tenacious competitor and a tactician on the bike.
Now, Haussler is channeling his wealth of experience into mentoring young riders. “I want to help these guys avoid the mistakes I made. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge over the years, particularly in the classics, and I’m eager to pass that on. Staying in cycling, albeit in a different role, feels right—it’s going to be a great time,” he said.
Ralph Denk, Team Manager at BORA-hansgrohe, expressed his confidence in Haussler’s ability to inspire and develop the next generation of talent. “I’ve always respected Heinrich’s attitude, even as a rider. He never cared about the weather or made excuses; he just got on with it. That kind of grit and professionalism is what I hope he can instill in our younger riders,” Denk said. “He still has strong connections within the peloton and relates well to younger athletes. We’ve had great success hiring former riders as Sports Directors, and I’m confident Heinrich will thrive in this role.”
Haussler’s resilience, humility, and passion for the sport have long been his trademarks, earning him admiration across the cycling world. As he shifts gears from rider to mentor, his impact on the sport is poised to grow in a new and meaningful way—one that will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy for years to come.