Haussler declares for Australia ahead of Germany

Cervelo Test Team rider Heinrich Haussler announced that he was giving up his German citizenship in order to compete as an Australian.

The 26-year-old grew up with dual citizenship in Australia as the son of an Australian mother and a German father. He moved to Germany at the age of 14 and has 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," he said.

"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."

"It was definitely a hard choice. Germany is still really important to me and I have many friends here."

The decision means that Haussler will now be able to wear the green and gold in the world road race championships which this year will be held in Australia.

Haussler, who intends to remain based in the German city of Freiburg, is not competing in the Tour de France after a crash with Mark Cavendish in the Tour of Swtizerland last month caused an injured knee to flare up, ruling him out.