Belgian cyclist Frank Vandenbroucke has died at the age of 34 after he was found dead in his hotel room while on holiday in Senegal, Belgian media have reported. The cause of death has not yet been established but initial reports indicate that the 34-year-old died of a blood clot in the lung.
Frank Vandenbroucke, known as VDB, made his professional debut in 1994 and recorded an impressive 51 victories, including his career highlight, the Liege-Bastogne-Liege classic in 1999, a year in which he also won two stages of the Spanish Vuelta.
Laurent De Backer, head of the Belgian cycling federation, said of the news: "An athlete with a brilliant but too short career has left us."
Although regarded as one of his nation's greatest talents, his racing career was marred by drugs and personal problems.
Since the Nineties, troubled star Vandenbroucke had suffered from depression and tried to commit suicide two years ago after his wife said she was divorcing him.
And in 2002, Vandenbroucke was twice stopped by police and discovered to be under the influence of alcohol at the wheel of a car. In another incident that year, a police search at his home uncovered a large quantity of doping substances.
In 2003, when he rode for the Quick Step team, Vandenbroucke appeared on the way back after a second place finish in the prestigious Tour of Flanders classic.
But although he had attempted several comebacks to professional cycling in recent years, he could not regain the form that saw him as a major force in cycling a decade ago and sunk back into depression. He was eager to resume racing next year, but could not find a team.
it feels a conveniant donkey to put the tail on imo, and Im not saying some members didnt quit BC because of the Shell thing, but Im not entirely...
I'm never convinced how helmets with built in cameras and lights can be acceptable safe. Sounds like a good way to get a camera embedded in your...
Did I mention that it costs £580?
Yeah - and one of the passengers had the gall to say that the *driver* had taken a wrong turn!...
Don't worry! They've got plenty of others they can use!...
Well what is that way? Are you suggesting that every bend on every descent can be barriered over a 180km mountain stage?
Hopefully it'll still be allowed for recreational use.
Well Gloucestershire are getting better. I'm being told whether or not action is to be taken, but not what action, within a few days of each report...
Churnalism nowadays - mostly clickbait stuff and regurgitation in the local rags/comics and beyond.
I'm glad the barrier wasn't damaged. Whew, close one there! \s