Former Tour winner
Ullrich is hoping for a cycling comeback after his doping confession
Jan Ullrich is hoping for a comeback in cycling. photo
© Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone/dpa
Jan Ullrich wants to return to cycling after his doping confession. He hopes for a second chance. Above all, he never wants to crash again like he did last time. What do old companions say about this?
The doping confession is intended to help the person who stumbled badly Jan Ullrich start a new life. After his public confession, the former Tour de France winner even hopes to return to cycling – where he has been ostracized for almost two decades now.
“Maybe at some point we can put it aside so that I can do something in cycling again. Why not?” said the 49-year-old in Munich at the presentation of the Amazon Prime documentary “Jan Ullrich – The Hunted” ( Start: November 28th).
“I have so much experience and I still love the sport. That’s my passion,” emphasized the Rostock native and former Team Telekom star. He couldn’t expect that there would be a change in thinking about him in the scene, but he could hope for it.
Ullrich became a pop star thanks to his tour triumph in Germany in 1997, but later collapsed due to the pressure and expectations. Much later than most of his teammates and rivals, he admitted to doping. “I feel relieved,” admitted the 2000 Olympic champion in Sydney.
Ullrich wants to leave the doping issue behind him
He did not give any details about his doping offenses, nor did he want to reveal any possible backers, dealers, doctors or accomplices from back then. “I can only talk about myself,” he said. “I don’t want to get anyone involved. I know a lot more, but I would never say it. But that’s also a question of character.” Doping hunters and investigators have always complained that there is a kind of vow of silence in cycling – similar to the Mafia Omertà.
Ullrich wants to close the whole issue of doping. Regarding the risk that his title at the 1997 Tour – the only one won by a German cyclist so far – might be revoked, he said: “I know what I have achieved. Personally, I believe I am entitled to the title. Others will have to decide that. But in my heart I’m a Tour de France winner.”
Former companions believe that Ullrich can turn his life around after the crash and his alcohol and cocaine escapades. “I know Jan. As it is now, he gets through life and is motivated. He doesn’t drink anymore and I hope it stays that way,” said Rudy Pevenage, Ullrich’s long-time sporting director and closest confidante, to the German press. Agency.
Former teammate Jens Heppner said: “He’s now relieved. He’s worked through everything again and I hope or wish that he doesn’t escalate like he did in the last few years – because I think he won’t survive that at some point. “