Greatest Loser?

He hasn't really lost anything...just never gotten the yellow jersey (except for '97).

keydates said:

He hasn't really lost anything...just never gotten the yellow jersey (except for '97).

It would be an amazing feat if he gets 2nd this year. Maybe he will next year, but his luck is running short now.

keydates said:

He hasn't really lost anything...just never gotten the yellow jersey (except for '97).

Don't forget 98

Ullefan said:

Don't forget 98

He's not the greatest loser.... he's the unluckiest cyclist in the modern era. Arugably he could have won 5 if LA had succumbed.

He's kind of like the Buffalo Bills of cycling.

TrekDedicated said:

Is Jan Ullrich the greatest loser?

No that would be the Minnesota Vikings! But seriously he just picked a bad time to be born and to have to ride against Armstrong in the Tour most of his prime. The luck of the draw you know.

jhuskey said:

No that would be the Minnesota Vikings! But seriously he just picked a bad time to be born and to have to ride against Armstrong in the Tour most of his prime. The luck of the draw you know.

More likely Marv800.

TrekDedicated said:

Is Jan Ullrich the greatest loser?

Joop Zoetemelk ran 2nd six times with one win in 1980. He was unlucky in that he ran into a couple of fellas called Merckx and Hinault.

mocka58 said:

Joop Zoetemelk ran 2nd six times with one win in 1980. He was unlucky in that he ran into a couple of fellas called Merckx and Hinault.

Rominger also copped it a few years with Indurain.

mocka58 said:

Joop Zoetemelk ran 2nd six times with one win in 1980. He was unlucky in that he ran into a couple of fellas called Merckx and Hinault.

Exactly my sentiment just good cyclist that experienced baaaad timing. We all get a little bit of the twist of fate in life. It is just more pronounced and emphasised by being famous.

TrekDedicated said:

Is Jan Ullrich the greatest loser?

I thought Poulidor was considered the biggest TDF loser. He participated 14 times but kept placing second and third etc. He never won a tour and is famous for not having won. They showed him at the tour this year --he seems quite popular in France.

At least Jan has one victory he can cherish.

I think there is only one person I know who can tag Ulrich as a loser.
For everyone else, he has better-ed you.

TrekDedicated said:

Is Jan Ullrich the greatest loser?

What sort of a question is this this ?
2nd in the TDF on his debut.
Winner of the TDF at 23.
Winner of the Olympic title.
Winner of the Vuelta.
Winner of the Tour of Switzerland.
Podium position in 6 T'sDF.

Loser ?
Definitely not.

It's a rather stupid question TD.

TrekDedicated said:

Is Jan Ullrich the greatest loser?

You'd probably be the first one to object if anyone called the lantern rouge a loser, so how can you possibly call Jan one. Even Lance admits Jan's the more gifted athlete - just doesn't have the drive.

mitosis said:

You'd probably be the first one to object if anyone called the lantern rouge a loser, so how can you possibly call Jan one. Even Lance admits Jan's the more gifted athlete - just doesn't have the drive.

I know what LA says about him. I know what everyone says about him. I think he is a beast.

Let me try to clarify what I met. JU has sooo much talent, but he just lacks the mental focus/drive to train to his fullest potential, and as a result, he is only cheating himself.

Lantern rouge? Please educate me, I have no idea who/what that is?

I believe the Lantern Rouge is the poor sap who finishes last on GC. I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong.

I agree Jan is a very gifted athlete and is by no means a loser, however, one cannot say he is really amazing but lacks dedication and drive in his training. The true champions are focused on winning and only winning. It appears Jan gets distracted from his goals. Or that should be goal, LA only trains to compete in one race every year.

Just 1 question how does Jan get distracted??? Examples ????

He takes long vacations off from cycling.

TrekDedicated said:

I know what LA says about him. I know what everyone says about him. I think he is a beast.

Let me try to clarify what I met. JU has sooo much talent, but he just lacks the mental focus/drive to train to his fullest potential, and as a result, he is only cheating himself.

Lantern rouge? Please educate me, I have no idea who/what that is?

Lantern Rouge (the red lantern at the back of the train) is the last cyclist on tour. The postition carries great prestige, much greater than second last.

Jan also likes to eat and party - more distraction and going against what he needs to do to use his immense talent.