Jan Ullrich

by Daniel Friebe

Jan 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.

'Magnificent' – Matt Dickinson, The Times
'A superlative biography as well as social and sporting history' – Observer

In 1997, Jan Ullrich announced himself to the world by obliterating his rivals at the Tour de France and becoming Germany’s first ever winner. Everyone Jan Ullrich would dominate the future of cycling. But he never quite managed it.

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.

Acclaimed journalist Daniel Friebe takes us from the legacy of East Germany’s drugs programme to the pinnacle of pro cycling and what price are you willing to pay for immortality?

628 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2022

About the author

Daniel Friebe is one of Britain's leading cycling journalists and a veteran of nine Tours de France. For the last five years Daniel has been the Features Editor of Procycling Magazine. He collaborated with cycling superstar Mark Cavendish on the bestselling Boy Racer - My Journey to Tour de France Record Breaker.