VDB One Year Later

[on3m@n@rmy]

It's sad to remember the falling star who has moved on. Especially sad to the parents who are still struggling with the death of their son as reported by CN:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/frank-vandenbroucke-remembered-one-year-on
It helps some to see the parents glad VDB is not forgotten. Here's to remembering VDB and wishing his family well. Don't know what else to say.

 

[online-rider]

Sad to remember he is gone. But its nice to think some young rider might come along and regenerate the spirit he showed as a cyclist. He was totally irrepressable as a rider and a personality, and very gentle-natured towards his fans and fellow-riders as well. A brilliant example for anyone who wants to admire a cyclist for their merits.

And a video for those who are interested where he phones Michele Bartoli during Liege Bastogne Liege.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5_oZgHOHX8&feature=related

 

[ak-zaaf]

Just imagine what could have been if he had a stronger personality.
Greatest talent since Hinault.

I still watch the '99 races every now and then.

 

[El Pistolero]

He's the opposite of Gilbert.

VDB:

Amazing talent
Didn't put enough effort in training.
Weak personality, kinda like Pantani, but to a lesser extent as he seemed happy at the end of his life.
Was cocky, although in a good way.

Gilbert:

Has talent, but not nearly as much as VDB
Works extremely hard.
Strong personality.
Is not really cocky. At least not openly.

But they also show a lot of similarities in racing style.

Both shined in the Vuelta, both won a similar big classic with lots of power(although much more power from VDB, his win was one of the best ever in LBL)

RIP

 

[Black-Balled]

Well...
I don't want to enter the Clinic, but:
Likelyhood of VDB being 'clean'< Likelyhood of Gilbert being 'clean'.

EYE EMM OHH

 

[Michele]

I met VdB just once, I guess it was January 2009, while climbing the Tudons in Spain; no pro cyclist gave me that feeling.

His '99 season is something almost impossible to repeat.

 

[Anonymous]

Hard to believe its been a year..

just for the memories - my video

 

[ak-zaaf]

Well...
I don't want to enter the Clinic, but:
Likelyhood of VDB being 'clean'< Likelyhood of Gilbert being 'clean'.

EYE EMM OHH

In an era where all the competitors were juiced he made it look like he was the only one.

 

[hrotha]

Vandenbroucke was one of my first favourite riders when I started following cycling. He was probably the biggest talent I've ever seen. He could have won any race.

 

[180mmCrank]

Are we going to be able to keep this thread clean or should we move it into the clinic? I'm easy either way. I will delete the doping related posts...but I think if it drfits that way can someone let me know and i'll port the thing over to the Clinic. (just hit the warning flag)

I don't think we need to be heavy handed we'll just do what makes most sense - no infractions or anything.

Cheers

Terry
Admin

 

[joe_papp]

Hard to believe its been a year..

just for the memories - my video

If you haven't watched it yet, please do take a few minutes to view Dim's very moving, very real tribute video to VDB. Even one year later it still moves me.

 

[Echoes]

Personally, I'm still remembering the late Tom Simpson. That's normal, I'm rather sentimental.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

...And a video for those who are interested where he phones Michele Bartoli during Liege Bastogne Liege.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5_oZgHOHX8&feature=related

Nice video on youtube... dank je!
Nice images too.

Hard to believe its been a year..
just for the memories - my video

Nice video also. Both worth a look. Thanks!

 

[Michele]

If I may suggest a great documentary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne5r6t27j3I

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

vdb's story of the vuelta 99 indeed is worth a movie on itself. it's about love, passion and success and an almost undescribably gifted person.