"The last time I was in Australia was 2016" - Jack Haig opens up about struggles of being Australian cycling pro

Just like athletes in many international sports, cyclists go through lots of passport stamps. For Australians like Jack Haig the journeys are even longer. Then, the circumstances often lead to one pretty uncomfortable choice: move continents or straddle two sides of the globe, two identities and a fractured lifestyle.

"It's changed a bit since I started as a professional," Haig told GCN ahead of GP Québec. "The world has become smaller so it is easier to be a professional from a non-European country. But it's also harder to live in Europe."

"Back when I started my career, I decided that my life would be in Europe. A lot of riders tried to go to and from the US, UK, and Australia in the off-season, but now you see guys spend more and more time in Europe. With that comes a better overall level. The last time I was in Australia was 2016. It’s been so long that I don’t really have a network in Australia anymore."

While the cost may have been high, to begin with, Haig has taken to it well. He has moved to Andorra, got married, had a child and become an experienced rider on the WorldTour after years of being slated as Australia's next big hope. Haig has crafted a nice career for himself, but still, it has come at a price. "When I get a result it might get some coverage, but if I would go back no one outside of my family and friends would know me."