Rivalries reborn! Lance Armstrong and Jan Ullrich set to lock horns once more

Monday, 17 February 2025 at 14:31

Cycling's most infamous rivalry is set to reignite as Lance Armstrong has confirmed his participation in the "Jan Ullrich Cycling Festival," scheduled for May 17th and 18th in Bad Dürrheim, Baden-Württemberg. Both men, now in their 50s, are eternally connected by their fierce competition and their controversial histories within the sport.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Armstrong and Ullrich were at the pinnacle of professional cycling, engaging in ferocious battles, particularly at the Tour de France. Armstrong often emerged victorious, but their rivalry was full of mutual respect and admiration.

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However, both athletes faced significant challenges following their retirements, including public admissions of doping which now define their era of cycling with a dark shadow that the sport still struggles to escape.

To most cycling purists, the duo will never be forgiven for their doping past and their continued relevance in the sport is a frustration to most. But still, Lance Armstrong manages to have a grip on the sport.

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In recent years, their relationship has transformed from rivalry to deep friendship. In 2018, Ullrich experienced a severe personal crisis, struggling with substance abuse and legal issues. Recognising the severity of the situation, Armstrong intervened, offering support and assistance during Ullrich's rehabilitation process, and this act of compassion not only aided Ullrich's recovery but also solidified the bond between the two former competitors.

At the upcoming festival, participants and fans will have the unique opportunity to ride alongside these two riders.

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9 Comments

leedorney 17 February 2025 at 19:23+ 630

I've always thought it's sad that Armstrong is vilified in the way he is, he just acted in a very manner, bad obviously BUT the organisation he sorted with the drugs was second to none tho let's not forget who was on the stuff 1st, the Europeans - he's on record saying they took it to get on the same playing field as everyone else, ie Festina, Gewiss, Mapei etc... the latter even had all their win races with riders from the teams finishing in 123, strangley Visma done the same but they're clean as a whistle, aren't they 🙄

roadman54121 22 February 2025 at 23:21+ 418

Good points Ledorney. They where all doing it. Lance is the problem here as you say and not just for the doping. Jan however was just a victim of circumstance.

Nomadic19 17 February 2025 at 22:14+ 100

How was Jan just a victim? Everyone that decided to dope and lie created that environment. Yes Lance was worse because he bullied and was aggressive about it. But Jan was no victim.

awp 17 February 2025 at 22:24+ 1161

Jan was not a victim or anything. He made the decision to dope to stay at the sharp end of the sport right next to Armstrong and many many others.

1stpastthepost 22 February 2025 at 23:21+ 118

If you knew any of the history of Ullrich and where he came from and the regime and influence that he was under from a very early age, you would understand why roadman is correct in his assessment. You guys just look at the big picture and react to the headlines like deer caught in the headlights.

Mistermaumau 18 February 2025 at 06:52+ 3286

That’s like equating local dealer and drug baron or a tax cheat with Madoff. All guilty yes but not in the same way. Very dangerous attitude that would lead to every small time crook deciding they might as well go the whole hog if the result is the same.

frieders3 21 February 2025 at 17:04+ 1217

Will they be both doped up to the gills? That would only seem right!

mij 18 February 2025 at 07:50+ 760

I hope no one shows up, it is just the two of them. that is what is deserved.