Haussler declares for Australia

Haussler, who held dual Australian and German citizenship and has been racing under a German license, decided to relinquish his German passport.

It is understood the process will be finalised shortly.

"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," said Haussler.

"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."

Haussler grew up in Inverell, Australia as the son of an Australian mother and a German father but was sent to Germany to further his sporting career.

The family still resides in the North-West New South Wales town where they are actively involved in developing the cycling community.

"It was definitely a hard choice. Germany is still really important to me and I have many friends here. I would also like to take the opportunity to say thank you to all the people who have supported me along the way so far, especially the German national cycling federation," he concluded.

The switch in allegiance may have implications for the selection process for Australia's World Road Cycling Championship team.

The event is being held in Australia for the first time and the Cervelo rider is perfectly suited for the tough Melbourne course.

Haussler will continue to base his cycling career in Freiburg, Germany