First things first: Why?

Frank Vandenbroucke, alias VDB was probably the biggest talent Belgium ever had in cycling.

The reason why I choose VDB is the story of a cycling God who could not handle the big money.

His story in a nutshell: Who was he?

Frank Vandenbroucke was 15 years old when he started his career as a cyclist. Cycling was famous in his family since his uncle Jean Luc was a good one in his days.

2 years later, when we was 17 years old, he became Champion of Belgium in his category. The years went by and he managed to get a prof contract with the team Lotto. He didn’t had to adapt and was able to win a few races. Big teams got to know him and he signed for the Mapei team leaded by Patrick Lefevre who is still manager of the Quick Step floors team.

From 1995-1999 he was the best of the world in one day races. Whenever he said he wanted to win, he won! Amazing, the loverboy of cycling succeeded in his stories and Belgium, the media, the world ate out of his hand.

In the Mapei team, he had to follow rules but when he choose for the money and went to Cofidis he found out that the money he earned was like a magnet to ladies. Everybody forgave him because he won very nice races on a way nobody thought it was possible. In Liege Bastogne Liege, he conter attacked Baldato, stayed for 2 second next to Baldato and attacked again. Wonderfull if you see this on television. This is how you show you are the best! Without respect ...

See this here starting from 40seconds:

In the Vuelta of 1998, he wanted to go home. Was not interested in 3weeks of cycling. On a certain moment he was waiting to start the race when he saw Sarah. Sarah was a promo girl for Saeco ( coffee-machines ). Saeco sponsored a cycling team aswell. He asked his friend Lelli who the girl was and to manage to arrange a date with her. She said no, she didn't care about cycling. He told Lelli he would win the day after and then he wanted the date. She agreed and he succeeded. 

He succeeded that hard, he won 2 other stages for he. "Love is the best dope" he said.

                                              He married her and they got 2 children.

World championship 1999 in Mendriso

For the cycling world he was not the favorite but he trained hard to win. He became 7th but with 2 broken wrists after a crash in round 6. He showed he was 100% good but not feeling the pain could show something else as well ...

End of 1999 he got involved in a EPO affair. He was never tested positive but as a witness for his doctor Manolo Saiz he got involved. Since then, he never returned to his old level. He got fired by his team and went from one team to another. Had good days but a lot of bad days but stayed the public favorite for ever. He smiled, was happy and friendly to everybody.

Why did I choose for this wannebee god ?

I was a cyclist when he was a pro and I still am driving my bike whenever time allows me, the sports need people like him. Sagan is a mini VDB. They are nice, friendly, full of talent and successful. They win races others dream about, they play with other and decide who can win. It happens once in a 20 years.

 VDB had one problem, he could not handle the money.

With this article, I want parents from talented children to warm for the risk. Sport must be a hobby until school is finished but when they succeed and earn money with it, keep an eye on them.

His marriage stopped, the white God was not longer with the wife of his dreams. His life became a mess. Started a few teams with new teams but never manage to reach the top again. He became depressive and lost all his friends.

He was found death with an overdosis and a prostitute in Africa. Whether he did it or she, we will never know but I miss this guy every new season again. 

God bless you all readers. Please share a comment or if you know a simular story or tell me your favorite player, I love to hear about it

My favorite sportsmen ever: Frank Vandenbroucke!