Heinrich Haussler | Decathlon’s international evolution

Heinrich Haussler is a Sports Director at Decathlon). We chat as
the team prepares for the 2026 Giro d’Italia starting in
Bulgaria. Haussler dives into the logistical challenges of the
early Bulgarian stages and the transfer to Italy, the role of a
DS handling logistics, hotels, vehicles, and performance, plus
how the team has stayed injury-free heading into the Grand Tour.






He breaks down Decathlon’s impressive 2026 classics campaign, the
rapid rise of Tobias “Toby” Lund Andresen, the incredible
maturity and potential of 19-year-old sensation Paul Seixas
(already turning heads with podiums and massive watts), Felix
Gall’s ambitions, and building a strong team culture with Luke
Rowe and others. 





Topics include:


• Evolution of cobbled classics (nutrition, tubeless tyres,
training, and why races are faster and harder)


• Creating a “Cervelo Test Team” style selfless atmosphere


• Differences between Red Bull and Decathlon environments


• Australian cycling


• Haussler’s hot takes on riders to watch, his favourite races,
and bold Giro predictions for Toby and Felix