Velochimp: Astrochimp on Cycling

Jan Ullrich is already working out in the gym for four hours a day. Next he will go with a group of teammate to train in warm South Africa. Ulle is also on a special diet that separates Carbohydrates and Proteins for better digestion (is he on Atkins?).

The main difference though is that Ullrich now has a better grasp on T-Mobile. Gone are many distractions with other riders such as Vino and Zabel. T-Mobile Director Sportif Walter Goodefroot’s retirement helped as Ullrich described the new atmosphere at T-Mobile as a “breath of fresh air”. He does not have to deal with the tension between his personal coach Rudy Pevenage and Walter Goodefroot. These tensions started when Ullrich left for COAST-Bianchi in 2003 and continued when Ullrich returned to T-Mobile in 2004. Pevenage can now be on the T-Mobile staff full time and ride in the team car whenever he wants.

The departure of Zabel helps Ullrich in forming the team as he mentions that there is relief over not having to worry about Zabel being included in the Tour team. Zabel was left out of the Tour team last year and the decision process must have caused some problems on the team. The individual aspirations of Vinokourov and Kloden added further stress to Ullrich and T-Mobile as they had tremendous strength, but were not focused enough on one rider. Kloden eventually worked for Ullrich as it became evident that his form was not up to last year’s level. But Vino’s individual run for glory certainly did not help Ullrich in dethrowning Lance. His best days may be behind him, but this year Jan Ullrich is looking for his best possible chance at finally winning is second Tour de France.
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