Car hits Jan Ullrich during training ride near his home - collarbone fracture after heavy fall
Cycling
A shock moment for the cycling world: Jan Ullrich, Germany's only Tour winner, had a serious fall during a training ride. Near his home, the 51-year-old was cut off by a car and brutally forced off the road. The result: a broken collarbone, numerous bruises and painful abrasions. Ullrich had to be taken to hospital immediately.
The news hit like a bombshell on the sidelines of the Giro d'Italia. Eurosport, where Ullrich was actually scheduled as an expert for the "Velo Club" program, confirmed the accident - the planned live appearance is off the table for the time being.
According to initial reports, the accident occurred during a routine training session. The ex-pro was hit by the vehicle, lost control and crashed hard. This is a painful setback for the former champion, who won the Tour de France in 1997 and also won the Vuelta a year later. He has stood on the podium seven times in Grand Tours - now he has to fight again, this time off the bike.
Particularly bitter: Ullrich should have been on his bike next week at the Jan Ullrich Cycling Festival in Bad Dürrheim, named after him, together with former rival Lance Armstrong. But instead he will only be there as a spectator - a bitter blow for fans and organizers alike.
They were bitter rivals on the track, especially during the Tour de France years in the early 2000s, when Ullrich was always overshadowed by the Texan. But away from the limelight, a respectful relationship developed over the years, which even led to a genuine friendship after their active careers. Armstrong publicly supported Ullrich on several occasions - especially in difficult phases of his life.
What is the Jan Ullrich Cycling Festival?
The Jan Ullrich Cycling Festival is a new, annual cycling event that will be held for the first time in Bad Dürrheim in the Black Forest on May 17 and 18, 2025. Initiated by Jan Ullrich himself, it offers a whole weekend full of cycling, encounters with legends and shared passion.
The highlights include:
- A relaxed cycling tour on a 28.8 km circuit (up to four laps possible - without time pressure)
- The exclusive Dinner of Legends with prominent guests from the worlds of sport, business and culture
- A varied supporting program with Kids Race, warm-up party, speciality stands and extended opening hours at the Jan Ullrich Museum
- A participation fee from 199 euros, including catering, event jersey and more
The festival is aimed at cycling fans of all generations - from amateur riders to die-hard professional fans.
More information and registration at: www.jan-ullrich-cycling-festival.com
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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- And we, what are we doing?Jumpyjohn08-11-2026
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