I know what you mean as to a potential comeback today, or, the missed years between 2006 and now. Man, in 2006 he looked ready to kill. But, he looks too happy to return to a drug laden sport...they must feel like pin cushions of throw-away meat.
If you want to feel sorry for Ulle, rewatch the 1998 TdF. I cannot count the number of times, critical moments too, where he was all alone or punctured while having the yellow jersey and had to race back without anyone from the peloton slowing down.
Hopefully a book will come in the next decade, and I'm embarrassed to ask....an English version.
I've asked before... does anyone know of JU's VO2Max?
NW