Aired: 6/25/2022
Jan Ullrich rides the first meters as a cyclist in his birthplace Rostock. In 1993, at the age of 19, he surprisingly won the world title. He is traded as a talent of the century - but has teething problems with the professionals.
The first Tour de France – and Jan Ullrich shows why he is considered the greatest talent in cycling. In the summer of 1997 he succeeded in this coup. Ullrich is predicted to win the tour several times – if only it weren’t for his lack of discipline.
The 1998 Tour de France was overshadowed by a doping scandal. In 1999, American Lance Armstrong became the dominant tour figure. From the year 2000 onwards, the duel between Armstrong and Ullrich shaped the tour.
Ullrich tries in vain to hit Armstrong. This resigns in 2005 after seven tour victories. The way seems clear for Ullrich. But his name appears in the lists of the blood doping doctor Fuentes. A little later he announces his resignation.
Ullrich lives a secluded life in Switzerland. In 2012 he was stripped of all his successes since 2005 because of doping. He falls into a downward spiral of alcohol and drugs. Good friends bring Ullrich back to Merdingen, where he should finally find peace.
