Jan Ullrich received the award from Cyclingheroes chief editor René Schuijlenburg at Terra-S headquarters in Owingen
(Germany) on Friday. Ullrich was pleased by the recognition of his impressive career.
Ullrich said: "I am very happy with this award. Its the recognition of more than 2000 cycling fans for my achievements
in cycling."
Ullrich retired in February 2007 after he was send home by his team before the start of the 2006 Tour de France because of his alleged involvement
in the so-called Fuentes affair. However until today the Olympic Gold Medal winner was never found guilty by sports- or
state authorities. In theory Ullrich could even obtain an UCI license to race as a professional again.
"I am plannig to publish a book about what really happened," Ullrich said.
Although Ullrich's career did not have a happy end, cycling fans from around the world voted for the only German Tour
de France winner to honour his achievements in cycling. Ullrich did not only won the 1997 Tour de France but also won the
1993 U23 World Championships, the 1999 Vuelta a Espana and the Road Race at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Ullrich is also
a two time winner of the Tour de Suisse.
Nowadays Jan Ullrich produce helpful and innovative products especially for the bike-sector in cooperation with German
company
Terra-S. Ullrich also supports various charity projects for children.
"I visited several townships in South-Africa and I felt that I had to do something for the children who live there,"
Ullrich said. The German also rode the 2007
Charity Bike Cup in Weil Der Stadt (Germany).
Cycling fans from across the globe voted for Ullrich in the category 'Best retired rider in 2007' of the Cycling
Heroes Awards 2007. In December 2008 readers will be able to vote for the Cyclingheroes Awards 2008.
Best rider retired in 2007
1. Jan Ullrich 34%
2. Michael Boogerd 33%
3. Joseba Beloki 10%
