Rumors Link Jan Ullrich Comeback to Rock Racing, Manager Refutes Claims

Could Ullrich (here riding in his nation's colors) really be thinking comeback?

Cyclingnews.com reported yesterday that rumors have been swirling around the possible comeback of Jan Ullrich to professional cycling. Rock Racing is the team that Ullrich has been linked to, but "Der Kaiser's" manager has denied that any comeback is in the works. However, with Armstrong, Landis and Basso returning in 2009, is it that much of a stretch to imagine Ullrich returning?

At 34 years old, Ullrich, if he wants, could mot definitely come back to pro cycling. An enormous talent, Ullrich's problem as a competitor was with his mind, not his body. Lack of self-discipline and off season weight gain hounded him throughout his career, and he was never able to defeat Armstrong at the Tour de France. A former Olympic road champion and two time world time trial champion, Ullrich had an amazing career despite falling short against Armstrong year after year.

That the big German has been linked to the Rock Racing team is no surprise. Ullrich was cast out of the sport in 2006 amid doping allegations, and his current rogue status would jibe well with the outlaw Rock outfit. Additionally, Ullrich would enjoy riding with wily veterans Tyler Hamilton, Santi Botero and Oscar Sevilla. Sevilla was Ullrich's former teammate at T-Mobile, and was also banished for a time from cycling for his own links to Operacion Puerto.

Jan Ullrich, whether he wants to admit it or not, has unfinished business in the world of professional cycling. He was unable to leave the sport on his terms, and no doubt he often thinks about the negative connotations surrounding his exit from cycling's professional ranks. But there is still time for redemption for the fallen hero if he chooses to pursue a comeback. Maybe he would not be able to return and win, but he would still be able to compete and then retire his way, not that way of the governing body.

Jan Ullrich's fans will cross their fingers and hope for a comeback, knowing that Ullrich brings an attitude and feel to cycling that few other riders do. He is at once likable and engaging, but at the same time frustratingly erratic and unpredictable as a rider. But when he is on form, there are few riders that strike bigger fear into the hearts of their opponents. As he sits reading the news papers in Germany, hopefully Ullrich will decide to give it one more shot, if only for German cycling and his rabid fans.