Jan Ullrich: The Best There Never Was

Jan Ullrich, the most naturally talented cyclist of his generation, was a controversial champion of the Tour de France. This biography explores how expectation, mental and physical fragility, a complicated childhood, a morally corrupt sport, and Lance Armstrong conspired to reroute his destiny.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Jan Ullrich, widely regarded as one of the most naturally talented cyclists of his generation, has also been a controversial figure in the world of the Tour de France. His first biography, "Jan Ullrich: The Best There Never Was," delves into the life and career of this remarkable athlete.

Published in 1997, Ullrich's breakthrough year at the Tour de France marked his arrival on the global stage. He effortlessly defeated his rivals, becoming Germany's first-ever winner of the prestigious race. The cycling world expected great things from him, and he was widely regarded as the future of the sport. However, his journey was not without its challenges.

In this captivating biography, acclaimed journalist Daniel Friebe takes readers on a journey from the legacy of East Germany's drugs program to the pinnacle of professional cycling. He explores the various factors that contributed to Ullrich's downfall, including unbearable expectation, mental and physical fragility, the effects of a complicated childhood, a morally corrupt sport, and the rise of Lance Armstrong.

Friebe's writing is insightful and compelling, drawing the reader into the world of professional cycling and the intense competition that exists within it. He sheds light on the pressures and temptations that athletes face, as well as the ethical dilemmas that arise in a sport where performance-enhancing drugs are prevalent.

Through the story of Jan Ullrich, "The Best There Never Was" offers a thought-provoking examination of the human condition and the pursuit of greatness. It raises questions about the price we are willing to pay for immortality and the sacrifices that individuals must make to achieve their dreams.

This biography is a must-read for anyone interested in cycling, sports, or the human psyche. It provides a fascinating insight into the life and career of Jan Ullrich, a cyclist who has left an indelible mark on the sport and the world of sports in general.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509801589