Jan Ullrich

The cyclist who shadowed Lance Armstrong as his most competitive rival during his first career believes the seven-time Tour de France winner is capable of winning an eighth title next July.

Jan Ullrich of Germany, who won the Tour de France in 1997 and finished second to Armstrong three times in cycling’s most prestigious event, was surprised by the 37-year-old cyclist’s announcement of his pending return.

“But I find it good,” Ullrich said. “Lance is drawing the attention of the world to cycling. “I think it’s possible for him to win once again in France. If he is prepared mentally, the body will be capable of doing it.”

Ullrich, 34, retired in February 2007 amid doping allegations he has denied.

With regard to Armstrong’s refusal to have his frozen urine samples from the 1999 Tour de France retested for performance-enhancing drugs, Ullrich said he would respond the same way Armstrong has to the French anti-doping organization.

“Why should he (Armstrong) do something he doesn’t have to do?” said Ullrich, who added he’s not interested in a comeback. “I wouldn’t do it either, as a matter of principle.”