Category VII Cycling

“Before his second Tour triumph, the American Greg Lemond showed up overweight at the Giro and abandoned.” Thus German cycling federation president – and Ullrich’s number one fan – Rudolf Scharping, attempted to restore credibility to Jan’s seemingly deflated ambitions to stand anew atop the winner’s podium in Paris.

His late season debut in the final Giro-tune up seemed at first glance to be a nearly complete disaster. Ending far closer to the laterne rouge than the maillot jaune, the Tour de Romandie in one major sense was still a successful test. Not of his form, but of his dodgy knee, which reportedly held up well and did not bother the German. The same cannot be said of the mountains or even the races against the clock, but at least with all his moving parts in working order. And judging from his reactions and his obvious relief in speaking with the German press following the race, a huge burden has been lifted mentally as well – and it is this latter aspect that has so often proven to be Jan’s downfall.

Looking, though, towards the business end of the final general classification, Cadel Evans stands as a dramatic contrast to Jan in many ways. Not only his he in shape, and also improving in disciplines that were previously his weaknesses – shaping himself into a legitimate contender along with his podium-mates Alejandro Valverde and Alberto Contador. But he also joins the legion of former T-Mobile riders who have gone on to greater success after adopting more masculine colors than the Bonn-based squads “magenta” (lest you thought it was pink).

Alexandre Vinokourov is perhaps the T-Exile garnering the greatest attention. But he is not the only cast-off now being cast as a possible favorite in the Tour. Joining Vino and Evans is Paolo Savoldelli, whose departure was particularly acrimonious. Never given a real role in the German squad, or given any real support, he was harshly criticized by the T-Mobile team management when he pulled off a remarkable ride at last year’s Giro. At this point, too, even Bobby Julich – who received his own share of criticism from the spurned Germans after winning Paris-Nice – is more likely to reprise his former Tour podium placing than is Ullrich.

Jan’s contract expires at the end of the season, ad there is heavy speculation this will be his last season as a professional. Although he is an undisputed natural talent, and solely responsible for the enormous interest in cycling in Germany now – including the cause for German sponsorship of two new ProTour teams in Gerolsteiner and Milram – his retirement will likely be a fillip to the sagging fortunes of the still (albeit barely) premier German squad. Ending their singular focus on Jan at all costs, the squad will be forced to recognize and cultivate the other talents they have brought into the fold – rather than casting them off as potential usurpers of Jan’s supposed title.