Both Sherwen and Liggett never miss a chance to praise Ullrich. I guess they're always trying to put some salve on the wounds that Lance has gouged into Ullrich over the years.
He is a great rider. I think it is more a case they build up a rivalry and drama only to see Lance do something amazing in the last 1/3 of the TT.
Speaking of beasts, where is Tu-ray-zah?