Jan Ullrich comments on German professional cycling
Jan Ullrich sees a "positive trend" in German cycling. "The German team Bora-hansgrohe has been doing a really good job for years and is getting better and better. They have the potential to make even more positive headlines. I generally see a good development of German talent," said the only German Tour de France winner in an interview with "Sport Bild".
In Lennard Kämna, Bora-hansgrohe has a "rough diamond": "And if you treat him right, if you polish him properly, then he could become a real bomb." Kämna has already caused a stir as a stage winner at the Tour de France, among other events, and wants to concentrate on the overall standings for the first time in a grand tour at next year's Giro d'Italia.
Ullrich does not want to impose himself
Ullrich's life also continues to revolve around cycling. "I know a thing or two about that. I certainly won't be the sporting director of a team any more. But if someone needs me - I'm open to anything. But I won't impose myself on anyone," said the 49-year-old, who, in his own words, was "really on the ropes" recently due to a coronavirus infection.
Ullrich was the only German to win the world's most important cycling race 25 years ago and triggered a cycling boom in Germany. The career of the multiple world champion came to an abrupt end in 2006 after his connection to doping doctor Eufemiano Fuentes became public. He was later banned by the International Court of Justice for Sport Cas for this offence. After that, Ullrich also made many negative headlines in his private life.
Documentary about Jan Ullrich
Before the Tour de France this summer, an ARD documentary caused a great stir. However, the 2000 Olympic champion did not appear in the documentary himself due to an Amazon contract. In the Amazon documentary planned for 2023, Ullrich wants to talk about all topics himself, including doping. "I hope that after the documentary - when all the topics have been discussed again and hopefully finally finalised - perhaps some doors will open again. And then I can go through life more freely," said the family man.
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