Jan Ullrich

The Best There Never Was

By: Daniel Friebe

Narrated by: Mark Meadows

Length: 18 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Jan Ullrich: The Best There Never Was is the first biography of Jan Ullrich, arguably the most naturally talented cyclist of his generation, and also one of the most controversial champions of the Tour de France.

In 1997, Jan Ullrich announced himself to the world by obliterating his rivals in the first mountain stage of the Tour de France. So awesome was his display that it sent shockwaves throughout the world of cycling and invited headlines such as L’Équipe’s ‘The New Giant’. He went on to become Germany’s first ever Tour winner, storming to victory in that edition by almost 10 minutes, a result that was greeted as an era-defining changing of the guard. Everyone agreed: Jan Ullrich was the future of cycling. He was soon also voted Germany’s most popular sportsperson of all time, and his rivalry with Lance Armstrong defined the most controversial years of the Tour de France.

Now, Daniel Friebe–who has covered twenty-one editions of the Tour de France–has gone in search of the man who was said in 1997 would go on to dominate his sport for a generation, but never quite managed it.

Just what did happen to the best who never was?

This is a gripping account of how unbearable expectation, mental and physical fragility, the effects of a complicated childhood, a morally corrupt sport and one individual–Lance Armstrong–can conspire to reroute destiny.

Daniel Friebe takes us from the legacy of East Germany’s drugs programme to the pinnacle of pro cycling and asks: what price can you give sporting immortality?

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Daniel Friebe (P)2022 Macmillan Publishers International Limited

Incredible work and storytelling

If you are a cycling fan, this is your book. The levels of depth and color brought in for context are reminiscent of Hardcore History. Excellent book!

Great account and valuable insights of a (sport) hero and his era

This book offers a clear and documented perspective the Ullrich - Armstrong rivalry at the TDF. The author depicts the real personalities and motives of the actors, first and foremost Jan’s. As a young competitive cyclist and Triathlete amateur during the 90s I remember the excitement around pro cycling with Pantani, Ullrich and Armstrong, their raise to stardom and hard fall. The not so secret dirty cheating which had infected pro sports as well as the amateur‘s.

One of the best cycling books ever

This is a wonderful book not just about cycling but about Germany and it’s complex identity both post-WW2 and post-unification. The detail and the care taken by Friebe is fantastic given Ulrich’s difficult life on and off the bike.

Incredible

Incredible writing, research, tale. What on earth can Friebe sink his teeth i to next? I can’t wait.

A story woven of many different threads

As an avid bicyclist, I enjoyed the historical perspective of bike racing in the 1980's through the 2010's with focus on the doping era. The author does a good job conveying the motivations of different racers. But you don't need to be biker to enjoy the other treads of the story: the unification of East and West Germany (politics, economics and sociology) and personalities of those racers at the top of their sport. The character with brought to life with great detail and compassion.

Worth it

Rad history well told. I appreciate the context and the interviews and enjoy the reader as well.

Check it out.

Wonderful

Daniel does a great job telling a beautiful story, unbiased. Captivating and Interesting. Worth the listen

A story long over due

Wonderful telling of a rider that has been to some reduced to a foil of another obscuring his athletic excellence.

Suspected but now confirmed

Daniel has done a great job of giving a great overview of Jan’s life. I followed Jan and Armstrong close back in the day. But Daniel’s work was able to explain and layout what was really happening and why. I liked Jan before, but now have even more respect for him.

Well done

This book was well-researched and thorough. I didn’t know much about Jan Ullrich and knew a bit about the recent history of cycling. This book was accurate and nuanced in its portrayal of both. After reading all this, I feel it is time for the cycling world to move on from the focus and shame associated with the doping scandals. I was impressed to hear what a gifted cyclist Jan Ullrich was, but more importantly, what a good and kind person he is from all accounts. I hope he finds happiness and peace.