Cycling - "It just feels good": Ullrich as Tour expert on TV
Confession, a new book released and now as an expert on TV during the 111th Tour de France: Former cyclist Jan Ullrich felt comfortable during his appearance on the Eurosport show "Velo Club". "Now I'm back, now I'm sitting here with you on the couch and it just feels good", Ullrich said. The 50-year-old wants to publicly rehabilitate himself after his late doping confession last fall.
Ullrich's Plans: Currently, the former racer is trying things out. He also hinted at a collaboration with the Tour organizers, as there was a "distance" in the past. "I think there's a way", he said. A week before the German championship, he spoke with the president of the German Cycling Federation, Rudolf Scharping. He is now allowing himself to be seen at races again. A year ago, he made his first appearance. And dared. Back then, they had to "scold" the publicly shy Ullrich there.
The Confession: In the context of the publication of the Amazon doc "Jan Ullrich - The Hunted" in November, the former cyclist made a doping confession - and ended years of silence. For two decades, he had been widely criticized in the German cycling world due to the publicly known doping scandals in the sport. The Olympic champion of 2000 found himself in the headlines several times due to scandals.
German cycling world welcomes return
Welcome back: In the German cycling world, Ullrich's public comeback is well received. "I think he has a lot to tell. He is one of the greatest legends in German cycling", said veteran Simon Geschke to the German Press Agency. The 38-year-old is currently competing in his 12th and final Tour de France. He is very happy that Ullrich has found a place in cycling again. "He was at the German championship. And people were really happy to see him", said Geschke.
Even Germany's most successful Tour stage winner Marcel Kittel (14 stage wins) was pleased about Ullrich's renaissance. "I wish him peace of mind. He has suffered enough, privately and professionally", Kittel told "Bild am Sonntag" recently. "He should find his place, make amends, and speak out about what everyone thought and knew", Kittel added.
Ullrich guests again on Wednesday at Eurosport. "The burden of life gets heavier when you don't solve the problems. And I was able to take more than half the weight out of my backpack and can walk straight again. It feels lighter", he said, sitting calmly on the TV couch.
- Simon Geschke, currently competing in his 12th and final Tour de France, expressed his support for Jan Ullrich's return to the German cycling world.
- Ullrich's meeting with Rudolf Scharping, the president of the German Cycling Federation, marked a significant step in his comeback, as he is now allowed to be seen at races again.
- Jan Ullrich's confession of doping last fall was met with public criticism, but his return to the German cycling scene is being welcomed with open arms, with professional cyclist Simon Geschke calling him one of the greatest legends in German cycling.
- The influential figure in German cycling, Rudolf Scharping, has shown understanding and support for Ullrich, allowing him to make a comeback despite his past transgressions.
- Eurosport, known for its coverage of cycling events such as the Tour de France, will be hosting Ullrich again on Wednesday, providing a platform for him to share his thoughts and experiences.
- The former racer, Jan Ullrich, has been trying out new things since his comeback, including collaborations with the Tour de France organizers, and he continues to face personal challenges, feeling lighter as he addresses his past issues.
