Jan Ullrich Speaks Out on Freiburg Car Crash: "Slammed Into Me Head-On"
Crashed Straight Into Me: Ullrich's Account of the Collision - Collision resulted in victim receiving direct impact to the front of the head, according to Ullrich's account.
Former Tour de France champion Jan Ullrich has spoken for the first time regarding his cycling accident. Last Friday, the legendary cyclist was hit by a car and sustained a broken collarbone, bruises, and road rash.
"I'm still feeling the pain," the 51-year-old shared with his podcast "Ulle & Rick" alongside ex-cyclist Rick Zabel. "I was out for a little ride, loosening up my legs. I was cruising along the main road when a driver wanted to turn, didn't spot me, and ploughed right into me from the left side," Ullrich recalled.
Currently recovering in the hospital in Freiburg, Ullrich revealed, "It's been tough dealing with the pain. But I only have one wound drain left. I had four yesterday." Despite his injury, he announced he'll be attending the "Jan Ullrich Cycling Festival" this weekend in Bad Dürrheim - just off the bike.
- Jan Ullrich
- Accident
- Car
- Tour de France Winner
- Rick Zabel
- Freiburg
Insights:
The crash occurred in Ullrich's hometown of Merdingen near Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg, when Ullrich was cycling at roughly 25 to 30 km/h, and was hit from the left side. The driver failed to see him, resulting in a strong collision that sent Ullrich flying from his saddle and leaving him with several fractures and a collapsed lung[1][3].
The accident required immediate medical attention, and Ullrich was rushed to the hospital in Freiburg, where a Monday operation to treat his fractured collarbone and other injuries was performed[1][3]. While he's currently under medical care, Ullrich is expected to make a full recovery, although he continues to experience discomfort[1][3].
According to reports, the annual "Jan Ullrich Cycling Festival" in Bad Dürrheim will go ahead as scheduled, although Ullrich won't be participating in any cycling events himself. Lance Armstrong, a former rival of Ullrich's, is also slated to attend[3].
Enrichment Data:
Accident Sequence:
Ullrich, the former Tour de France winner and cycling legend, suffered a severe training accident in his hometown of Merdingen near Freiburg (Baden-Württemberg) on Friday (May 2025). Ullrich was cycling when a car driver took priority and hit him head-on. According to Ullrich, he was moving at around 25 to 30 km/h and was hit from the left side. The driver did not see him, leading to a violent collision[1][3].
Injuries and Treatment:
Ullrich sustained a broken collarbone, several broken ribs, and a collapsed lung. Emergency services provided immediate aid, and Ullrich was transported to the hospital in Freiburg where a follow-up operation was performed the next Monday[1][3]. Recently, Ullrich has been discharged from the hospital and recorded his podcast "Ulle & Rick" from there, reporting that he still experiences pain but is on the road to recovery[1][3].
Recovery Progress:
Ullrich described his recovery as progressing as expected. Following the operation on his broken collarbone and treatment for his other injuries, he continues to experience pain. Further details on his possible release date or specific rehabilitation measures have not yet been shared[1][3].
Festival Attendance:
Despite the accident, the "Jan Ullrich Cycling Festival" set for the coming weekend in Bad Dürrheim will proceed as planned. Although Ullrich won't be participating in cycling events himself, he intends to be present in person. The presence of competitor Lance Armstrong is also anticipated[3].
Summary:
The collision was serious and resulted in multiple fractures and a lung collapse. Ullrich remains in medical care and is working towards recovery, but he plans to attend public events even if not participating in active sports[1][3].
"I'm not sure if Jan Ullrich will be able to participate in any car-accidents-related general-news discussions due to his involvement in a recent car crash in Freiburg, where he was hit head-on while cycling, resulting in a broken collarbone, bruises, and road rash."
"Despite his injuries from the car accident, Jan Ullrich, the Tour de France winner, plans to attend the sports event 'Jan Ullrich Cycling Festival' this weekend in Bad Dürrheim, even if he won't be participating in cycling events himself."
