Speaking from his base in Germany, Haussler was realistic about a knee injury that has virtually sidelined him all season and more than anything else will determine his next move.
Haussler transferred from the defunct IAM to Bahrain Merida this season though has barely competed due to the intricate injury, which he is still managing.
After the World Championships, the 33-year-old will undergo further tests, the results of which could determine if he re-signs with Bahrain Merida for 2018, or considers life outside the sport.
“It’s not all riding on the championships but it’s more the way my knee is. I’m going to do some tests after my last race with the team doctors just to make sure that it’s 100 per cent good again and that it is not going to come back,” Haussler said.
“I understand they have to have insurance that I can actually ride next year, not that they sign me and then in January or February these problems start again and then they have one less rider for the rest of the season.
“The team has always been very supportive and have said if you’re fit and your knee is fit then you can stay,” he continued.
“I’m 100 per cent positive about next year and I’m sure I can keep going.”
Haussler’s knee complaint was diagnosed shortly after the UCI Road World Championships in Qatar last October.
The former Tour de France stage winner has since seen multiple specialists and undergone two invasive procedures, both of which have demanded complex recovery he openly admits has caused considerable stress.
“It’s every day taking anti-inflammation tablets, putting special creams on overnight, cooling compacts … it’s just a massive stress, mentally,” Haussler said.
The former Australian national road champion had a delayed start to the season, which he commenced in May at the Four Days of Dunkirk. Since then he’s competed in just four one-day races – all in the past two months – the last being the GP de Quebec and the GP de Montreal.
Despite the ordeal, Haussler has been selected to represent Australia in Sunday’s 267.5km elite men’s road race.
In Norway he’d ideally like to pilot Michael Matthews to victory, and personally avoid another false dawn.
