Flying under the radar in 2015, Heinrich Haussler shocked the world when he outsprinted pre-race favourite Caleb Ewan to take out the men’s road race at the Mars Road National Championships.

The season got off to the perfect start for the New South Welshman, who left Australian shores to race in the green and gold jersey for hisEuropean based team IAM Racing.

“For 2015 Dave Tanner and I came out to Australia in December 2014 and had a really good training camp in Bright because I knew how hard and demanding the course is in Buninyong.

“We were both all in, going for the win.

“It wasn't really until a few minutes after the race that I really really realised that I won. It was right up there with my stage win at the Tour de France. The feeling was something you can't really describe, it was absolutely amazing. I was just yelling my head off with joy and happiness!” said Haussler.

After a strong summer that included his National road race win, a second place on the final stage of the 2015 Tour Down Under and a top 10 finish in the Cadel Evans Road Race, it was a season of ups and downs for the Australian champion.

A disappointing Classics campaign had Haussler focusing on the Giro, but a series of crashes on Stage 1 ended his hopes of glory.

With a full focus on the classics, Haussler has decided not to defend his title in the road race that will be held on January 10.

“I'll never forget that day and riding in the Aussie colours in 2015 is also something I'll never forget. Every training ride I did this year, when I went to put on the Aussie champion kit, it was really a special feeling. I love this jersey but for 2016 I just can't fit defending my title into my program because I really want to concentrate on the Classics, but I will be back in 2017."