Turning professional in 1996 at age 22 with the Giant-Australian Institute of Sport team under the GIANT-A.I.S. Sports Director and Australian National Coach, German born Heiko Salzwedel.
In 1996, at the age of 22, Heiko Salzwedel started his professional journey with the Giant-Australian Institute of Sport team under the GIANT-A.I.S. Sports Director and Australian National Coach. Born in Germany, he became a part of this team.