Frank Vandenbroucke has died..

[yenrod]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/vandenbroucke-dies

Belgian dies on holiday in Senegal

Frank Vandenbroucke has died while on holiday in Senegal. Reports in Belgium said that the 34-year-old Belgian cyclist was found dead in his hotel room and that early reports indicate that he died of a blood clot.

Vandenbroucke was out of contract after leaving Cinelli-Down Under but was looking for a team in 2010 just a few weeks ago.

He turned pro in 1994 with Lotto and won an epic Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 1999, along with two stages in the Vuelta that year.

However his career was not without controversy. He was questioned by police for drink driving and possession of doping products and despite numerous comebacks he never reached the heights of 1999.

Cyclingnews would like to offer its condolences to his family and friends.

Very very very sad !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dave5N]

Shocking. He had some difficulties, but I was hoping he could make his mark again.


Very sad.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

it's a shame. possibly a consequence of doping earlier in his career; it's not unknown…

 

[Pottsy]

it's a shame. possibly a consequence of doping earlier in his career; it's not unknown…

That was my first thought, though unsubstantiated I must add.

Very sad at that young age.

 

[dellzeqq]

his uncle said that the news wasn't entirely surprising.

Most of us know that cycling is addictive, and we can all imagine how wonderful pro cycling must be - to be turfed out before your time (for whatever reason) must be very, very hard to bear

 

[yenrod]

his uncle said that the news wasn't entirely surprising.

Most of us know that cycling is addictive, and we can all imagine how wonderful pro cycling must be - to be turfed out before your time (for whatever reason) must be very, very hard to bear

If I may add. that the withdrawal symptoms from not 'getting your ride' can be similiar to a heroin addict not getting a fix 'reportedly - I read recently!

I know right now I'm looking forward to tonight...only a the most serious of causes will stop me doing that too !!!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Very sad. Shades of Pantani...

 

[girofan]

His demise seems to mirror that of Freddy Maertens, but with the added sadness of his untimely death.

 

[Haitch]

A short piece in this evening's paper said three people had been arrested for stealing and selling on VDB's possessions from the hotel room, the woman he spent the night with and two men. Also, an autopsy would be carried out either today or tomorrow.

 

[NickM]

Insulin found by his bed.

Well, there's a surprise. This section of the forum really ought to be called "Racing and Doping".