Last Man Standing: Why Jan Ullrich Must Make a Comeback to Cycling

Unfinished business: Having the big diesel back in pro cycling again would make a lot of cycling fans happy

With the recent comebacks (or comeback attempts) of Jose Gutierrez, Roberto Heras, Lance Armstrong, Ivan Basso, Floyd Landis, Alexander Vinokourov, and Raul Alcala, one huge name has not yet decided to try his hand at a return to pro cycling: Jan Ullrich. "Der Kaiser" has been retired now since the infamous Operacion Puerto affair broke just ahead of the 2006 Tour de France, and only recently has settled all of his matters in court.

Now that he has a clean slate legally, the time has come for big Jan to consider a return to the sport. At only 34 years of age, the German still has several good years left, and 2009 is as good a year as any to mount a comeback. Need more reasons for Ulle to return? Here are three huge ones for you . . .

1. Money: Ullrich has no doubt spent a sizable sum of his nest egg in the past years defending his name against doping allegations. He has won most of his battles in court, but the victories have come at a big price. Ullrich has a few years left to make the big money of a front-line cycling star, and he needs to take advantage while there is still time.

2. Jan Ullrich bikes: Ullrich recently launched his own brand of bicycle, but he introduced his product at a time when his name was being dragged through the mud by media and fans alike. With a successful comeback,. Ullrich would be able to raise awareness about his bike line, and restore some credibility to the Ullrich brand.

3. Unfinished business: When he left the sport ahead of the 2006 Tour, Ullrich looked on track to once again claim the yellow jersey of the Tour de France. His form gradually improved in the Giro, and all signs pointed to a dominant performance in the time trial-heavy 2006 Tour. It was not meant to be though, and Ullrich retired without having had the chance to take his second overall win in France. In coming back, the German could use 2009 as a year to build his form, with an eventual 2010 objective for the Tour. The time is now though, as even one more year off the bike would proabably be too much for the aging star to recover from.

With the arrival of his mentor and long time coach, Rudy Pevenage to Rock Racing, the path seems clear for Ullrich. Ride in 2009 for the American team, re-build his form, and then plan an all out assault on the Tour de France in 2010. Behind the staunch financial backing of Rock's Michael Ball and the TLC of coach Pevenage, Ullrich would have all the tools necessary for a comeback. Most importantly, he would have at least one more chance to take on former rival Lance Armstrong, who despite what he says WILL be back again in 2010. Lastly, if Alexander Vinokourov can plan a comeback, than surely Ullrich can too.