After the criterium on Saturday the team launch and presentation was held at the Inverell RSM Club.

“It was a remarkable night and the cycling world embraced the idea and the management of the team of the Racing Kangaroos couldn’t have been more happier with the reception of every one present,’’ team director and developer Heinrich Haussler snr said.

At a dinner attended by 300 people the team and its supporters launched the Racing Kangaroos the Heinrich Haussler junior cycling team - a program made up of 12 budding riders from the under-15s to the under-19s. Members hail from Inverell, Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, the Gold Coast, Wollongong and Brisbane. Inverell’s Blake Schuman and Tom Apthorpe are the Inverell representatives.

“The program is not just aimed at cycling stars, winners and headline-makers,’’ Heinrich said.

“There is a strong focus on team members completing their education - including scholarships at special boarding schools - it is also aimed at helping them grow as people and become good citizens.’’

Saturday’s team launch included an interview with Haussler from Europe shortly before racing the Tour of Qatar, the induction of the team’s first line-up and the inspirational speeches of hope and belief in an inspiring sporting initiative.

Fittingly, the jersey Haussler wore in last year’s Tour, was centre stage and raised $4000 at auction. As it went under the hammer, the team members stared at the jersey and the attached photos of Haussler’s solo ride into Colmar, where, upon crossing the line, he provided one of the most emotional moments in last year’s tour..

“This is an Australian story and it started as a dream - the same dream which drove Heinrich junior through the rain, down the mountain at Colmar.

“You will know what it means when one of these boys steps on to the podium of one of the great monumental races. You will say: ‘I was there when it started.’’