Cycling highlights: For many cycling fans from Germany, the Tour de France 2003 was the most exciting. The duel between Jan Ullrich and Lance Armstrong entered the third round. The outcome is known. But: The German hasn't been that close to triumph since his victory in 1997. One stage should bring the decision. It led up to Luz Ardiden.
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Before Luz Ardiden, Ullrich dreamed of his second tour win
Only 15 seconds separated Lance Armstrong and Jan Ullrich before the 15th stage of the 2003 Tour de France. The American had never had to fear for his yellow jersey so late in the tour. Although he already had a comfortable lead of more than two minutes on his German opponent, things got tight again thanks to Ullrich's time trial qualities. In 2003, he wore a Bianchi jersey and appeared to be fitter than ever before at the 2003 Tour de France. The fans of both camps - and also the neutral cycling fans - could hardly wait for the mountain stage up to the ski area in Luz Ardiden. And they were rightly looking forward to this day. Because what happened on July 21, 2003 will forever be a cycling highlight.
Armstrong falls and the competition is waiting
The 100-year Tour of France was to experience its climax on the 15th stage. Starting in Bagneres-De-Bigorre, the section took the riders over the Col d'Aspin and the Col du Tourmalet. But the pros only reached their goal after 159,5 kilometers in the ski resort of Luz Ardiden. Since Jan Ullrich was faster than Lance Armstrong in the time trials, the Texan had to go on the offensive. But the German was aggressive like never before. He attacked for the first time at the Tourmalet and tested the competition. But it was too early to pull off such a long escape. So the favorites arrived together at the foot of the final climb. Armstrong let his teammates pilot him. When Iban Mayo attacked, the yellow jersey went with him. Immediately after his counterattack, Armstrong caught his handlebars on a yellow bag belonging to a spectator on the right-hand side of the road. He went down with Mayo. Ullrich was able to dodge.
Armstrong's willpower again wins the Tour
After the fall, Jan Ullrich continued at a moderate pace. As usual in cycling, the competitors waited for the fallen yellow jersey. But Armstrong had problems. During his race to catch up, he slipped off the pedals and almost fell again. When he was able to reconnect, Mayo attacked again. Armstrong - pumped full of adrenaline - went along. It was almost a repetition of the action before. Only this time without a fall and with the difference that Ullrich could no longer hold the rear wheel. Driven by the incidents, the narrow lead and incredible willpower, Armstrong finally shook off Mayo as well. Ulrich and co. should lose more than 40 seconds in this climb - and with it the Tour de France.