The ups and downs of Jan Ullrich's weight have long been a source of discussion by fans and a subject of worry for the German's T-Mobile team. Ullrich has this year once again sworn to watch his weight and to eat sensibly throughout the off-season. However, according to Hamburger Abendblatt, T-Mobile will not just rely on his promises. The German newspaper claims that Ullrich's contract has been amended to include a clause requiring him not to weigh more than 79 kilograms at the start of the season in March. If Ullrich (ideal weight: 72 kg) comes in overweight, he is reported to lose financial bonuses.
"Of course we try to get Jan at specific weight at specific times in the season," said T-Mobile's team manager Olaf Ludwig, who denied the contract clause.
The newspaper further prepared the following table, listing the dates of Ullrich's season start, his weight at that first race, and his subsequent placing in the Tour de France:
Courtesy of Susan Westemeyer
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