Heinrich Haussler «Qatar and Oman help prepare for the Classics»

“Boonen and Greipel definitely have an edge.  They came into this race with the momentum that they gained in their races from earlier this year (Down Under and San Luis).  Personally, I am racing the Tours of Qatar and Oman solely in preparation for the Classics.”

Heinrich Haussler remained calm at the end of the final stage of the Tour of Qatar, which was won in dominating fashion by Arnaud Démare .

The Australian IAM Cycling rider prefers, however, to focus on his bigger goals.

“I’m just racking up the kilometers.  And here in Qatar, I was able to put in big loads of work under sunny skies and summer-like temperatures.  In addition to that, the wind just adds to the difficulty and intensity. 

To break away from or try to return to the echelons, you have to produce incredible efforts.  So I took this opportunity to continue to build on the training that I started already back in November. 

I spent six weeks in St. Moritz to refine my form by alternating between riding and cross country skiing.  I didn’t include any vacation time in my program following the 2013 season.”

Heinrich Haussler is aiming to take a victory in a great classic this spring.  The IAM Cycling puncheur will make every effort to gear up for his season goals.

“Next week, I will continue with the Tour of Oman.  That race follows three days of recovery after Qatar, so I will be ready for more hilly stages and even a summit finish. 

This is how I can improve my condition while we are still on this side of the Milan-San Remo and the Tour of Flanders. 

Before attacking the Classics period, I will still have the chance to make some very important tests of my form at races like the GP Lugano and also Tirreno-Adriatico.”