The German former cyclist Jan Ullrich (Rostock, 49 years old), winner of Tour de France 1997 and Vuelta 1999, will be 50 on December 2, a miracle considering it happened Close to death due to drug and alcohol use.
In a documentary about Ullrich that is about to be released, the German comments to Stern about the changes he has undergone since he left professional cycling in 2006.
“Five years ago, I was in a very deep situation,” admits Ullrich, converted “turned into a monster in no time“because of his addiction to alcohol and cocaine.
Fortunately, the former German champion, born in the former GDR, is now seeing the light thanks to the support of his loved ones, his 4 children and his American friend and former rival. Lance Armstrong.
“I want to see my children grow up, and thank God, I am feeling well now. Five years ago I was in deep, very deep. “I’m happy to have found the strength to have a positive outlook on life again,” said Ullrich, who even says he feels like “ride a bike again“.
His relationship with alcohol and the drugs This will be one of the topics he will comment on in a documentary that will soon be released, an issue that almost ended with a cycling star in the 90s.
“What triggered me to tell my story was the deep abyss that almost cost me my life, where I lost a lot. When I regained my strength, my eyes opened and I realized that I had to change my life. Now I’m happy, I feel better,” he emphasized.
He too World time trial champion and Olympic gold in Sydney 2000the documentary will also tell of his past with doping, an option that imprisoned him like many cyclists of this generation.
Ullrich declared that, despite his excellent conditions to succeed in cycling, he had to participate in doping Get together.
“The general feeling at the time was, without this help, it would have happened how to go into battle armed only with a knife“.
According to the former cyclist, he was advised by his lawyers remain silentan idea he valued immensely.
“I followed his advice, but I suffered the consequences for a long time. In 2006 I could not speak because I don’t want to look like a traitor. If I had spoken, I would have dragged many with me. It is not easy to remain silent for years. “My past weighed heavily on my soul,” he summed up.
Source: La Verdad
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