2022 Elite CX World Championships selection update

AusCycling can confirm there will be no selections to the Australian National Team for the 2022 Elite CX UCI World Championships, to be held in the USA in January.

With the COVID-19 Pandemic forcing the cancellation of events and further travel disruptions due to multiple border closures, AusCycling could not make selections based on an incomplete Australian domestic cyclo-cross competition schedule.

In addition, international racing opportunities were similarly restricted, with only one European-based Australian athlete currently engaged in cyclo-cross events.

"Cyclo-cross is a sport rich in tradition, requiring incredible physical, technical and tactical aptitude," said Jesse Korf, Interim Performance Director, Australian Cycling Team. "Getting race exposure this past year has been challenging, and while we would rather see Australians do well at any World Championship event, we do look forward to the opportunity to set up an alternative item for all cyclo-cross enthusiasts featuring international experts.

"It will be exciting and a development opportunity benefitting the overall ecosystem."

AusCycling has already begun plans to host an open CX webinar early in 2022. The webinar will feature prominent international cyclo-cross expert(s) over various topics relating to cyclo-cross performance.

Heinrich Haussler, Australia's sole competitor in the elite men's race at the 2021 World Championships, ruled himself out of contention for the 2022 selections due to road racing commitments with his professional outfit, Team Bahrain Victorious.

"I would love to race for Australia at the 2022 World Championships, but as a professional road cyclist, my first races with Team Bahrain Victorious will start at the beginning of February, so it just doesn't fit into my road program," said Haussler, 37.

An eighteen-year veteran of the road circuit who has celebrated stage wins at the Vuelta a España and podium appearances at both the Tour of Flanders and Milan–San Remo, Haussler discovered a love for cyclo-cross in 2019 after using the sport as an off-road training activity. Haussler contested two World Cups during the 2020-21 season and finished 35th on his World Championship debut in January 2021.

"To be honest, I enjoy how hard this sport is. I was hooked from the first race," explained Haussler, the 2015 Australian road champion. "I'm 37 now, and in a way, it's keeping me younger and giving me all that I need as a pro on the road. The power, explosiveness and just in general, how hard you push your body to the limit. (I am) just in love with the sport."