Ullrich's doping confession: What does that mean for cycling in Chemnitz?

Ullrich's doping confession: What does that mean for cycling in Chemnitz?

Jan Ullrich, the cycling legend and the only German winner of the Tour de France, is again the focus of the media. As part of a panel discussion on the documentary series "Jan Ullrich - the hunted", which will be shown on Prime Video from November 28th, he admitted: "Yes, I doped". This statement represents a turning point in the public perception of his career and brings the discussion about doping to the public again in cycling. Freie Presse indicates that Ullrich has his earlier utensils referred to and now wants to clear up his doping past.

already in 2013 Ullrich admitted to having practiced blood doping under the guidance of the Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes. In an interview with Focus emphasized that he does not emphasize any other performance Substances used as his own blood. This statement has triggered mixed reactions. Thomas Bach, the President of the German Olympic Sports Association (DOSB), criticized Ullrich's confession as "inadequate and too late", while Rudolf Scharping, President of the German Radverband, noted that an earlier confession would have benefited the cycling and Ullrich itself.

doping and pressure in cycling

Ullrich remembered that he started doping in 1996 and also doped during his tour triumph in 1997. Due to the limitation period of ten years of the WADA, his title in 1997 is now time -barred. Compared to other cyclists, such as Bjarne Riis and Marco Pantani, Ullrich kept his titles, while Lance Armstrong lost all titles due to loss of doping. The 1990s were shaped by a strong doping printing in which many drivers, including Ullrich, used EPO as a preferred means. [Sportschau]

Despite his doping past, Ullrich said that he did not feel like a fraudster. It differentiates between fraud and the use of performance -enhancing agents, which he sees as a widespread pressure in sport. "Almost everyone has taken performance -enhancing substances," said Ullrich. This assessment reflects the reality of many athletes in his time and shows how widespread doping in cycling was actually.

a new way?

After a difficult life crisis, which also included alcohol and drug problems, Ullrich found a way to stabilize. He expressed the desire to play an active role in professional cycling in the future. This endeavor could not only benefit Ullrich's image, but also to sport itself. In the past, cycling has suffered greatly from the doping scandal, and Ullrich's return could be a kind of reconciliation with the past.

in Chemnitz, where Ullrich has its roots, his connection to the city is kept alive. Over the years, he has participated in numerous events that promote sport and peace. This association between Ullrich and Chemnitz shows that even after many challenges and scandalous revelations, love for the city and cycling has not faded. Freie Presse increases again and again support.