Cervélo TestTeam's Heinrich Haussler underwent successful knee surgery Tuesday at CrossKlinik in Basel, Switzerland. He was initially scheduled to ride the Tour de France this weekend, but knee problems resulting from crashes this season were aggravated by another spill at the Tour de Suisse.
“Heinrich feels well after the successful surgery yesterday,” commented Andreas Goesele, Chief Medical of the Cervélo TestTeam. “It was a necessary operation, and Heinrich is now focused on full recovery.”
The 26 year old has had a tough 2010 thus far. He came off a solid winter of training and rode well at the Tour of Qatar, but a series of crashes kept him from having an opportunity to better his second place finishes in Milan-Sanremo and the Tour of Flanders last year.
“I am happy that I had this surgery,” Haussler explained. “I will now start my rehabilitation process and take my time to get fully recovered. I’m sure it will be hard for me to watch the Tour de France on TV now, as it was one of my main goals this season.”
Last year he rode away from Frenchman Sylvain Chavanel to win stage thirteen in solo style, and with it earned the title of the most combative rider for the day. But before Haussler can get back to his winning ways, he wants to make sure the injury is treated properly so it doesn't become chronic.
“As I have already stressed, my health is the first priority and I would like to come back to cycling healthy and in good shape,” he explained. “When that comeback will be, I do not know yet, it depends on my recovery process. But now I wish my colleagues from Cervélo TestTeam all the best for the Tour de France 2010!”
Even with his setbacks, Haussler has managed to secure some good results this season. Along with two second place finishes in stages during the Tour of Qatar to start off the year, he came in second at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and won a stage of the Tour de Suisse.