Jan Ullrich pens open letter about his substance abuse and road to recovery
(Cyclingnews.com)

Jan Ullrich has opened up about his struggles with substance abuse, publicly apologising for his recent behaviour and vowing to do everything he can to `fight for the second chance in life`. In an open letter published in German national newspaper, Bild, Ullrich reveals that he has just returned home from a week at a rehabilitation facility in Miami, describing it as `the first stages of my personal Tour de France`. He will now continue his recovery in German-speaking countries for the next six weeks before returning to the US for further treatment.ADVERTISEMENT `I learned a lot during the detox phase in Miami,` Ullrich wrote. `I was surrounded by people with a similar fate and by very good therapists and doctors. I am now aware that I am ill for reasons that I do not want to address today. `I have built the foundation for my new life with detoxification. I will be the old, new Jan, who will do everything and will fight to defeat his demons and to rediscover the light with new energy and zest for life.` Ullrich, who won the Tour de France in 1997, has had a troubled past few months in which he has struggled with substance abuse and found himself in trouble with the authorities. You can read more at Cyclingnews.com