Cycling highlights: The duel between Jan Ullrich and Lance Armstrong shaped the Tour de France for many years. One of the greatest moments was presented to the spectators on July 17, 2001 up to Alpe d'Huez.
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Armstrong shows weakness
Cycling fans awaited the 2001 Tour de France with great excitement. Jan Ullrich and Lance Armstrong were to have a big fight for the second time. And this time the German seemed to have significantly better cards. Because after a prologue and a team time trial, he was only 27 seconds behind. The trend spoke for him. The first mountain stage led over 209 kilometers from Aix-Les-Bains to Alpe d'Huez. But even before the legendary final climb, two mountains of the highest category had to be mastered: the Col de la Madeleine and the Glandon. Already there, French television reported: "Armstrong en difficulte!". Words that have never been heard in previous years. Armstrong having problems? The Telekom team reacted promptly and used the entire squad to work on the pace. The weakening Texan should be driven tired. Especially since his US Postal team was already weak and ill when they started the stage. Edelhelfer Christian Vande Velde even gave up.
Ullrich is bluffed
Until the final climb, the spectators and TV commentators were certain: Lance Armstrong has big problems and Jan Ullrich will ensure clear conditions up to Alpe d'Huez. But as much as the American seemed to be suffering, Jan Ullrich's helpers simply couldn't shake him off on the approach to the final climb. When they went into the mountain, they couldn't believe their eyes. Suddenly Lance Armstrong pushed the pace. Then he even attacked. He looked demonstratively into the eyes of his opponent. Then he just drove away. He took 1:59 minutes from Jan Ullrich to the finish line. The Tour de France was decided. 21 hairpin bends before, the world looked very different...
Ullrich helper Udo Bölts:
"We couldn't believe what we saw. When we saw Armstrong attacking, we lost all our morale.”
Armstrong helper Jose Luis Rubiera:
"He told me to go full throttle into the mountain."
Lance Armstrong:
“Because of the cameras, everyone can see everything. Sometimes you have to take advantage of that. I played poker with Team Telekom – and I won.”