Should Jan retire?

meehs

That was a point that I was going to make about Ullrich's size after reading through this thread. The race commentators (and others) are always calling him "The Big German" or describing him as a "big, powerful rider". But the fact is that JU is a pretty average size for a pro cyclist. The rider list for the TdF this year lists Jan at 1.83m/73kg and Armstrong at 1.77m/75kg. When Jan is in shape he's not a heavy rider.

I've often wondered what effect it would have on JU's climbing (and overall performance for that matter) if he adopted a high cadence style like LA did. But he seems to prefer mashing the taller gears.

On the original thread topic, I don't think that JU should retire unless he feels that it's time. He's a couple of years younger than LA and I think he probably has a few good competetive years left in him.

MJtje

Damn, when LA passed Ullrich in the proloque ullrich was 'done'. During stage 8 on that cat 2 climb you got hopes again.......and it would be a nice and interesting tour and now he needs to retire.........! Wow interesting views......

jhuskey

With a little luck he will probably achieve 3rd on the podium this year.If it were you would you retire?
Although he will never beat Lance I believe he still has something to prove to himself,even if he fails to win.
He's the guy that couldn't beat Lance.
My question is simple. Who is the guy that could?

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nonameboy

exactly theres no shame in being second to lance ,not many riders in history would beat lance in the tour.

MJtje

At least we know who will dominate tours coming: BASSO.......he will improve more and more......he's good. A couple of tour wins will go his way!

jhuskey

Unless someone comes out of the woodwork ,I imagine you are correct.

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limerickman

Who's the guy that did (beat LA) : step forward Miguel Indurain.

jhuskey

1995, Riis was 3rd I guess I should have qualified my post by saying in the post cancer era ,but good point. Lance did win a stage that year I believe.

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wolfix

Did Indurain ever attempt the Hour??? If he did , what was the result??? Also on the comment a big guy is never a climber.... Armstrong, Ullrich, Indurain ...... All better climbers then most "designated" climbers. I believe JU would improve as a rider with a higher cadence. The thing Armstrong seems to have is that explosive move. I read on this forum that JU has worked on it, but did not like it. Anyone with info on this ?

gntlmn

He needs to take training to an entirely new level. He may have it in him to win another tour, but he has no room for the off season craziness he's fallen victim to in the past. Actually, during the winter of 2004/2005, he didn't gain lots of weight as he did in past years. If he starts right after the 2005 TdF and focuses strictly on winning the 2006 TdF, increases his cadence and trains big time in the mountains, he may have a small chance to win. I think the problem with Ullrich is his will. He doesn't hunger for it quite enough. He hungers when he comes to the line at the Tour, but he doesn't hunger enough in the off season to really make enough marginal gains in performance to win. I don't think this will change with Lance's retirement.

limerickman

Indeed he did and he broke the record in 1994 as I recall but he only held it for a couple of weeks.
Indurain beat Obree record of 52.71kms per hour.

Indurain used a 59x14 gear, on a bike called The Sword (specially designed by Pinarello) and did a distance of 53.04kms at Bourdeaux, a few after winning his 4th consecutive TDF (and finishing 3rd in the Giro) on 2nd Sept 1994.

wolfix

I remember the bike I think. Wasn't it painted in the Banesto colors ??? The Hour during that time was juggled a bit... It would be good to see Ullrich attempt it. Or Armstrong. Zabriskie would be a canidate but I feel a person should have a major race victory in his resume 1st.... Gives it more of an appeal to the fans.....

Crankster

You know who else beat LA? McEwen. In stage 13 (which he stole!). I also suspect that Hushovd or O'Grady or McEwen will beat LA in green jersey competition. And Rasmussen will beat LA in polka dot jersey competition.

You see my point, right?! Here it is in case you don't get it (usually you start with namecalling): LA wasn't competing for GC back then. It wasn't his goal, or his team goal or his job or within his ability at the time.

Why do I have a feeling you made this your personal quest to diminish LA's record by pointing out clearly irrelevant facts? Did LA piss in your oatmeal or something? Whenever anyone says "it's hard to beat Armstrong" I suggest you jump with "Bet you when he was sick with cancer and could barely walk while on chemo I could beat him in a race!". That will settle it once and for all!

We all know LA's personal story limerickman. We all know he finished last in his first professional race. Unfortunately we don't measure up people by their low points, we measure them by their high ones. You may spin the facts all you want, it doesn't really change LA's record, which is out there for everyone to examine. It only makes you more annoying.

meehs

I agree with you to some extent gntlmn, but I think Ullrich's lack of will and commitment to training are a little overstated. Yeah, these are issues with him but remember this is guy who has (and I'm not sure I have this right but to my recollection anyway) competed in something like seven TdF's, has won the TdF (one of the youngests riders ever to win and in only his second TdF), never placed worse than 4th in any TdF in which he has competed, and has never abandoned a TdF. That's a truly amazing accomplishment that most any other pro cyclist would give anything to acheive. And that's not to mention a plethora of other significant wins JU has had as a pro! The main "problem" with Ullrich (the way I see it) is that he ran into a freight train in the form of Lance Armstrong and his USPS/Discovery team.