Tour de France history: The rivalry between Lance Armstrong and Jan Ullrich is considered one of the most interesting in Tour history. The unequal duel reached its peak in 2001. On the way to Alpe d'Huez, the American seemed to have problems. Team Telekom worked hard, but Lance Armstrong bluffed.
The situation: US Postal was weak
Within the Tour de France 2001 Jan Ullrich and Lance Armstrong met for the second time. The American won the previous two years, but the German missed the 1999 Tour of France after a fall on the Deutschland Tour. In 2000 he was beaten by Lance Armstrong by more than six minutes. Nevertheless, one hoped to be better prepared this time. And it looked good for the team Telekom seemed strong and the team US Postal was weakened. Edelhelfer Christian Vande Velde had to give up before the mountains and other drivers in the team were ill or slightly injured. Due to the prologue and the team time trial, Lance Armstrong was 27 seconds ahead of Jan Ullrich before the tenth stage. On July 17, 2001, the first water level was reported on the first mountain stage. The stage continued over 209 kilometers from Aix-Les-Bains Alpe d'Huez – and went down in history.
The spectacle: Armstrong suffers visibly
Before the legendary 21 turns went up to Alpe d'Huez, the pros had to survive the climbs to the Col de la Madeleine and the Glandon. The section through the Alps led over three mountains of the highest category - a real indicator. And already in the first climb, French television reported "Armstrong en difficulte". The TV pictures confirmed the apparent problems of Armstrong. The American was at the end of the field with his teammates. In response to questions from a commentator, team boss gave Johann Bruyneel to: "I don't know if he's okay. I only see the pictures. And that doesn't bode well.” At the same time, he stated that he had not had radio contact with his leader all day. But there was even more radio communication with Team Telekom. Rudy Pevenage decided to push the pace. Kevin Livingston, Giuseppe Guerini and Andreas Klöden, among others, were at the front of the field.
The view: Ullrich cannot follow Armstrong
As the peloton reached the final climb, Team US Postal suddenly moved forward. Jose Luis Rubiera was sprinting up the hill with Lance Armstrong on his back wheel. After a few seconds the peloton exploded. When Rubiera went out of the lead, Armstrong looked around. He looked Ullrich in the face and started. The German – who didn't like the increased speed anyway – didn't have a chance to react. While Armstrong stalked away, Ullrich's morale collapsed. Rudy Pevenage later stated that Armstrong's bluff to have seen through. But his team had no choice in the situation but at least try.
Ullrich helper Udo Bölts:
"We couldn't believe what we saw. When we saw Armstrong attacking, we lost all our morale.”
Armstrong helper Jose Luis Rubiera:
"He told me to go full throttle into the mountain."
The result: Almost 2 minutes difference
Lance Armstrong rode up the hill as if unleashed. He conceded the last remaining breakaway and celebrated his first of four stage wins in this Tour de France at Alp d'Huez. 1: 59 minutes later Jan Ullrich finished second. Meter by meter, the then German champion shook off all his companions. Nevertheless, he always lost time on the Texan. At the end of the three weeks, Lance Armstrong wins the Tour de France for the third time. Jan Ullrich had to admit defeat at 6:44 minutes.
Lance Armstrong:
“Because of the cameras, everyone can see everything. Sometimes you have to take advantage of that. I played poker with Team Telekom – and I won.”