The first biography of one of the most controversial champions of the Tour de France, Jan Ullrich.

Jan Ullrich: The Best There Never Was is the first biography of Jan Ullrich, arguably the most naturally talented cyclist of his generation, and also one of the most controversial champions of the Tour de France.

'Magnificent' – Matt Dickinson, The Times
'A superlative biography as well as social and sporting history' – Observer

In 1997, Jan Ullrich announced himself to the world by obliterating his rivals at the Tour de France and becoming Germany’s first ever winner. Everyone agreed: Jan Ullrich would dominate the future of cycling. But he never quite managed it.

This is a gripping account of how unbearable expectation, mental and physical fragility, the effects of a complicated childhood, a morally corrupt sport and one individual – Lance Armstrong – can conspire to reroute destiny.

Acclaimed journalist Daniel Friebe takes us from the legacy of East Germany’s drugs programme to the pinnacle of pro cycling and asks: what price are you willing to pay for immortality?

"A fascinating illustration of a richly gifted but deeply flawed character" - MSN Ireland

"A superlative biography as well as social and sporting history" - Observer

"One of the best books about cycling" - Irish Times

"'Masterpiece' is arguably an over-used word, but if ever a book was deserving of such a description, this is probably it" - Washing Machine Post

"A well-researched biography . . . painting a consistent picture of this all-too-human character from Rostock" - Cycling Plus

"Richly researched and sympathetically written . . . extensive, thoughtful" - TLS