For 2004 Ullrich returned to Team Telekom, now named T-Mobile.
He won the Tour de Suisse.
In the Tour de France, he finished fourth, 8:50 behind Armstrong, his first finish lower than second.
Klöden finished second and Ivan Basso third.

For 2005, Ullrich again captained T-Mobile.
He maintained a low profile for the early season, surfacing in the 2005 Tour de Suisse, which he finished third behind Aitor González and Michael Rogers.

The day before the 2005 Tour de France, Ullrich was training when his team car stopped unexpectedly.
Ullrich hit the back window, ending up in the back seat of the car.
Less than 24 hours later Ullrich was passed by Armstrong in the time trial.
Ullrich fell again in the mountains, bruising his ribs.
He could not keep up with Armstrong or Ivan Basso.
Ullrich began focusing on finishing ahead of Michael Rasmussen for a podium position.
He rode a good second time trial, beating all but Armstrong.
Rasmussen had several crashes and bike changes, which gave Ullrich a podium place in the Tour.
For 2004 Ullrich returned to Team Telekom, now named T-Mobile. He won the Tour de Suisse. In the Tour de France, he finished fourth, 8:50 behind Armstrong, his first finish lower than second. Klöden finished second and Ivan Basso third.
For 2005, Ullrich again captained T-Mobile. He maintained a low profile for the early season, surfacing in the 2005 Tour de Suisse, which he finished third behind Aitor González and Michael Rogers.
The day before the 2005 Tour de France, Ullrich was training when his team car stopped unexpectedly. Ullrich hit the back window, ending up in the back seat of the car. Less than 24 hours later Ullrich was passed by Armstrong in the time trial. Ullrich fell again in the mountains, bruising his ribs. He could not keep up with Armstrong or Ivan Basso. Ullrich began focusing on finishing ahead of Michael Rasmussen for a podium position. He rode a good second time trial, beating all but Armstrong. Rasmussen had several crashes and bike changes, which gave Ullrich a podium place in the Tour.
Jan Ullrich