Jan Ullrich is opening the hunt for his second Tour de France victory by beginning his season with the Circuit Cycliste de la Sarthe, starting April 4, the T-Mobile Team announced today. The decision was reached jointly by Ullrich, team manager Olaf Ludwig and directeur sportif Rudy Pevenage, at a meeting at Ullrich's training camp in Tuscany. "Jan has had good experiences opening his season with Sarthe the last few years," said Ludwig. "The race goes partially over hilly terrain. Plus there is a time trial included, so that Jan can get used to the pressure of competitive racing."
Ullrich raced Sarthe in 2003 and 2005. "It's a good 'starter' race," Ullrich said. "It's not too hard, but you have to be pretty fast to be able to keep up. I can try a few things out, particularly during the time trial." He will be accompanied by, among others, teammates Serhey Honchar and Michael Rogers, both of whom will use the race to build up their form.
