Jan Ullrich: 'Lance Armstrong can win eighth Tour de France title'

October 7, 8:27 PMCycling ExaminerJames Raia

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Jan Ullrich of Germany was Lance Armstrong’s greatest rival. They battled in the mountains and often exchanged time trial victories in the Tour de France.

And with their competitive ways, the two riders remained sportsman who defined sportsmanship.

Now Ullrich, 34, who retired after the 2007 season, believes his former archrival can return to the 2009 Tour de France and win an eighth title.

Ullrich won the Tour de France in 1997 and finished second five times, including thrice to Armstrong in cycling’s most prestigious event. He was surprised by the 37-year-old's recent announcement of his pending return.

"But I find it good," said Ullrich who retired amid doping allegations he has denied. "Lance is drawing the attention of the world to cycling.  I think it's possible for him to win once again in France. If he is prepared mentally, the body will be capable of doing it."

With regard to Armstrong's refusal to have his frozen urine samples from the 1999 Tour de France retested for performance-enhancing drugs, Ullrich said he would respond the same way Armstrong has to the French anti-doping organization.

"Why should he (Armstrong) do something he doesn't have to do?” said Ullrich, who added he’s not interested in a comeback. “I wouldn't do it either, as a matter of principle.”