Cycling highlights: In 1997, Jan Ullrich drove an entire sport to the top in Germany. The young Rostocker wins the Tour de France and triggers a bike spot boom. We look back on the day he stole the hearts of fans.
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Ullrich writes German sports history
There are moments in the sports world that will never be forgotten. This undoubtedly includes July 15, 1997, because German sports history was written on that day. Jan Ullrich - a 23-year-old redhead with freckles - wows the crowds. On the 10th stage of the 84th Tour de France he races from Luchon to Arcalis in Andorra in the hearts of cycling fans. The year before, he finished second overall in the Tour de France behind team captain Bjarne Riis and won the junior classification. But in 1997 the roles were to be reversed - in Arcalis (Andorra). Actually, the young German should only do the speed work for Bjarne Riis as a noble helper. On the final climb he keeps looking around until he says to him: "If you feel strong enough, drive off." And Ullrich drove off. In a left turn he got out of the saddle and left the competition behind.
He becomes king and emperor
After the 10th stage bears Jan Ulrich the yellow jersey and will not give it up until Paris. The international media overflow with superlatives. While the French are talking about King Ullrich, the Italians are even naming him Emperor. The experts also agree: Jan Ullrich will certainly win five or more tours in his career. But they should be wrong. Overall, he finished second five times and fourth once. The success in 1997 was to remain his only tour win. From now on, the young German has to struggle with many problems. Injuries, illnesses and obesity cannot be hidden in public. And this public is merciless because it doesn't allow Jan Ullrich to lose. Series victories are expected - and any other result is automatically a big disappointment.
The cycling boom is followed by the big low
Many athletes from East Germany were able to celebrate international success after reunification. After the fall of the Wall, Heike Drechsler, Franziska van Almsick, Jens Weißflog, Henry Maske and Katarina Witt became all-German stars. But Erik Zabel and Jan Ullrich have managed over the years to lure millions of Germans in front of the television in July. We got the tour fever. A sport that you would hardly have thought capable of suddenly triggered a boom in Germany. Many fans are starting to get on their own racing bikes and emulate their idols. Years later we watch professionals who only started cycling because of Jan Ullrich. The circle closes when the big cycling boom is followed by the low. It is precisely these new heroes who have to face general suspicion of doping – also triggered by the former team Telekom and Jan Ullrich.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ3Q6BhohE8