MinnMan

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45142859

canklecat

Ullrich has long had a history of drug abuse -- not just performance enhancing doping, but recreational use. That's what got him a less severe suspension years ago when he was caught using speed or coke -- the authorities considered it less serious if he were using it for recreational purposes (and, frankly, speed and coke are lousy PEDs anyway, very obsolete and likely to cause heart problems).

He also seemed somewhat fragile psychologically at times in his career, psyched out by setbacks during competition.

I wish him well and hope he gets serious about getting the help he needs with rehab and therapy.

McBTC

Did Jan ever get over... 'the look'?

canklecat

I was kinda tempted to make a wisecrack about that prostitute giving Ullrich "the look" and setting off his PTSD.

Not funny though. For either one of 'em. Sex work is a rough trade as it is, without someone beating them. If anyone needs health care and psychological support it's them.

And Ullrich should be prosecuted if found guilty, or sentenced to mandatory psychiatric care if he's really out of control. I wish him well, but he really needs a firm legal and medical butt-kicking to prevent him from spiraling even more out of control.

diphthong

a shame. hopefully things improve soon.

brianmcg123

Colnago Mixte

Someone get this guy the PED's he needs to become competitive again.

Maybe Ulrich and Lance could have an Alpe d'Huez do-over, kinda like when the TV people got Tonya Harding to fight Paula Jones:



I would totally watch that, they could get Greg Lemond to drive alongside in a car and yell insults at them. And have Eddy Merckx could run up and punch one of them in the stomach, just for fun.

Colnago Mixte

And here's the twist. When Ulrich and Armstrong ride up Alpe d''Huez, they need to consume one beer, at each of the 21 numbered hairpin turns, just to keep it interesting. I suspect that neither of those guys would have too too much trouble keeping up.

MyTi

Yup they are just people with demons like everyone else. Also divorce really ruins people in a bad bad way.

Giacomo 1 

A tragic period in cycling history.

So many cyclists paid a high price for being a contender and winner. Besides Ullrich, Pantani comes to mind, and of course the Ugly American, Lance Armstrong to. Hate to say it though, they were great days for cycling until it all came crashing down.

McBTC

This will be on on-going science project but with little statistical relevance to the vast population of bike riders due to the scant degrees of freedom but, we'll see who outlives the other and perhaps draw our own conclusions as to the best lifestyle, given they both did drugs but also had two vastly different styles. LA measured every ounce of food that passed his lips, never drank and practically invented the use of technology to improve performance whereas JU partied all winter and rode into shape. JU dieseled up big slopes as LA 'danced on the pedals.'

TiHabanero

I have lost memory of those years as they were exciting at the time, but a huge let down later. Armstrong is still a d***k.

Giacomo 1 

Agreed, and that was his downfall - along with being an American of course.

Maelochs

I don't see where Ullrich's recent behavior was or is influenced by his doping while a pro over a decade ago. Just another spoiled hyper-competitive individual, with maybe some substance abuse problems, not dealing with life well.

Giacomo 1 

I think it all works together. He obviously has an addictive personality, whether its an addiction to winning, doping, women or recreational drugs. He's just one of those type a personalities that can't control his impulses.