Jan Ullrich
The Best There Never Was
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Jan Ullrich
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Narrated by:
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Mark Meadows
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By:
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Daniel Friebe
About this listen
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 LimitedListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Jan Ullrich
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr H
- 28-06-22
Johan "Brown ale"
Very good and interesting biography. Just had to keep laughing at the pronunciation of certain names, specifically Johan Bruneel.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- J. Hunter
- 05-12-22
The missing man
Ullrich in many ways is a bit of a vacuum at the heart of this book. I presume he must have been a competitor, had a will to win- but it never really comes across that way.
A “nice guy” but shy, unmotivated and probably a bit dim is the impression I emerged with.
It’s a book that spends quite a long time on doping- I don’t mind it, but can see see that others might find it overdone.
I’m no linguist but some of the pronunciation of names/acronyms makes it clear that the narrator is thoroughly unfamiliar with the world of cycling.
Overall, I’m glad I listened to it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Filip
- 12-08-22
Super interesting
Mixed emotions towards Jan after listening to the book. Sympathy on a human level at the same time there is always an excuse, there was always someone else influencing, when he is the common denominator.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- CSteven88
- 21-06-22
Absolutely Brilliant
Such a well put together book! Highly recommended for any cycling fan. Truly well researched and presented. 10/10
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 20-08-22
In-depth analysis and well written
Well written and easy to sink into, I would recommend this bio to anyone who wants to understand more than the mesosphere headlines about this whole period in cycling’s history.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Mr D Alford
- 22-01-24
Giant of a book
It’s clear from the start that Daniel Friebe is Jan Ullrich fan (as am I) and he writes with considerable warmth for his subject. Something that no doubt allowed him access to so many of the supporting cast to Jan’s life so far. A great book and I’m glad I saw it through to the end. I just wanted to give both Jan and Daniel a hug upon finishing it!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Skin
- 29-12-22
Excellent exploration of a complex person and time
Thank you Daniel for writing this. It's got everything, the human story, the technical aspects, genuine journalism and at its core you can sense the heart and humanity for a person (simply) journeying through (a complex) life.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Steven
- 09-01-23
A TRUE LEGEND
I REALLY ENJOYED LISTENING TO THE STORY OF A TRUE CYCLING LEGEND I WISH HIM ALL BEST.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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- Graham Holmes
- 09-08-24
Great insight into Ullich’s life
Great insight and detail, sadly let down by the mispronunciation of names, places and names.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- clive middleton
- 28-01-23
Fantastic insight
Can’t wait for the film.
A great book 100% worth listening to if you’re interested in cycling
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