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Being Jan Ullrich
Overview
Winning the Tour de France in 1997 made Jan Ullrich a star. But soon after, the downfall of road cycling's biggest talent begins. The five-part documentary series follows the stages of his life and his career.
Status
Ended
Created By
Ole Zeisler, Uli Fritz
Network
Das Erste
Seasons & Episodes
Season 1
Episodes
Uphill
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.
In Yellow
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.
Armstrong
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.
Prohibited Weapons
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.
Downhill
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.
Top Cast
Jan Ullrich
Self (Archival)
Hagen Boßdorf
Self
Lance Armstrong
Self
Udo Bölts
Self
Richard Virenque
Self
Rolf Aldag
Self
