Jan Ullrich’s Final Tour Dream
- Jan Ullrich, forever linked to the Tour de France, believes he could still compete in a stage at 51, provided the circumstances are right. The 1997 Tour de...
- Ullrich stated that his participation hinges on rigorous training.
- "The talent is still there," he added, while acknowledging a shift away from competitive thinking.
Jan Ullrich dreams of Return to Tour de France Stage
Jan Ullrich, forever linked to the Tour de France, believes he could still compete in a stage at 51, provided the circumstances are right. The 1997 Tour de France winner acknowledges the demanding preparation required.
Ullrich stated that his participation hinges on rigorous training. “If I had no other commitments and could dedicate myself to cycling 25,000 or 30,000 kilometers a year, I could regain competitive form,” Ullrich said. “However,my current schedule wouldn’t allow me to race a stage.”
Ullrich emphasized the human bodyS remarkable adaptability. “The talent is still there,” he added, while acknowledging a shift away from competitive thinking. “I’m not sure I want to engage with the aggressive racing dynamic of the peloton anymore.”
Coffee Before Competition
Ullrich suggested a renewed rivalry with Lance Armstrong, whose seven Tour de France victories were nullified due to doping, remains a possibility. “It’s not something we’re actively planning, but you never know,” Ullrich commented. “We’re both in good health and spirits.” Ullrich and Armstrong, who aided Ullrich during a challenging period, now maintain a close friendship.
Ullrich will participate in the “Jan Ullrich Cycling Festival” in Bad Dürrheim, located in the Black Forest. During the event on May 18, which includes a children’s race, Ullrich intends to cycle a maximum of four laps of 29.7 kilometers, primarily for the fans. “It’s about enjoying cake, drinking coffee, and seeing how manny laps people can do,” he said.
Alongside Armstrong, other cycling legends, including Bradley Wiggins, Mario Cipollini, Udo Bölts, and Andreas Klöden, are expected to promote cycling at the event. Ullrich recently toured the Vosges mountains with former teammate Bölts. Weather permitting, Ullrich continues to cycle regularly. “I try to ride between two and three hours a day when possible,” he said.