Frank Vandenbroucke dead at 34

7 comments
By AFP | Monday, Oct 12, 2009 11.23pm

Belgian cyclist Frank Vandenbroucke has died aged 34, a source close to the racer told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The source did not speculate on the cause of death, but Vandenbroucke suffered from depression and tried two years ago to commit suicide after his wife said she was divorcing him.

It was reported in various publications that the rider was found dead from a pulmonary embolism in a hotel in Senegal, where he was on holiday.

"Sadly this has only partly come as a surprise, for we knew he was not doing too well," said his uncle, former racer Jean-Luc Vandenbroucke. "He was up and down, both in terms of his health and his morale. He left for Senegal on Sunday."

Vandenbroucke made his professional debut in 1994 and recorded 51 victories, including the 1999 Liege-Bastogne-Liege classic, his career highlight.

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 QuickStep team, Vandenbroucke appeared to be on the way back after a second place finish in the prestigious Tour of Flanders classic.

However, despite a promising start to the 2004 season, hopes of a sustained comeback were cut short and he sank further into depression.

© 2009 AFP

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  • I would just like to say how sad it is yet again the loss of another troubled professional, the news of the death of Frank Vandenbroucke at such a young age is a sign of what has been happening for a long time now, especially during the 80's and 90's. I know he was no angel, but the pressure put on to his shoulders in Belgium since he was a teenager, there was no support for him. I was a team mate of his when he was 18-19 and I was 21-22 racing in Belgium. we roomed together for a few international races and I'm afraid he was already taking stuff at that age. I quit the sport a high level due to the doping and pressure from my team director to take stuff. I now enjoy my cycling as an amateur. This news is no real surprise but still hurts. He was a true talent without the doping and a good friend. My condolences go to his friends and family. Rest in peace Frank.

  • Well said.

  • Sad news to hear. Always hoped things would turn out ok for him.

    -Jerry

  • Does anyone know if there is a higher incidence of depression amongst cyclists than in the general population? It seems to be something that cyclists suffer from.

    Very much agree with Jamescuz20's comments. RIP Frank.

  • boz, cycling is also an anti-depressant for many of us... Sometimes it comes teh other way around!

  • very sad to hear about frank.. he was very talented and will be missed!! my sympathy to his family and friends and all who knew him.. R I P

  • As a sufferer of Depression myself I can understand the lows into which it can take you.

    I feel that professional sport and Depression just do not Gel. It is so results based and if good results are not forthcoming or injury takes you out, then the perfect Fodder for Depression is created.

    Plus the sport of Cycling is heavily tainted by Drug use, so level playing fields are a rarity.

    Frank and Marco needed someone to pull them out of racing and work on developing their mental power to overcome the effects of Depression.

    Sadly, and quite clearly in Marcos case he was too much of a Star for the hangers on to let him get his act together away from cycling...or at least that is how it looks.

    In any case it is a sad story.

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