Friday, December 28, 2007

Frank Vandenbroucke

VDB defines the Euro PRO look. If there's a style guide for the neo-pros in Europe, VDB wrote it. Whether it's his calf-high shoe covers, drop-top arm warmer style, the seemingly careless roll of the handle bars, or the ever-present sheen of the BKW, VDB embodies it all. And, of course, the dude is from the cycling capital of the world. Almost every team in the PRO Tour has offered him a spot at one time or another. Team Directors are willing to run the risk of hiring him because maybe, just maybe, he will show his brilliance again while on their watch.

VDB has unparalleled natural talent. In 1999, VDB showed the greatest promise of any of the neo-pros by winning Het Volk and Leige-Bastone-Leige. In fact, he won LBL with a style reminiscent of Babe Ruth by announcing before the race his plan of attack. Frank's talent is further evidenced by his performance at the Tour of Flanders in 2003. The dude shows up with fewer spring miles than a club cyclist, makes the break, and holds onto VanPetegem for second spot on the podium. Frank carries a natural talent; one that defines the sport. Just one look at VDB's position on the bike and his fluid riding style will make you green with envy. Frank was born to race bikes. Frank has been a teammate of almost every big name in recent cycling; mostly because he changes teams annually.

The 2007 season is wide open for Frank. With a new team (Aqua Sapone) and endless natural talent, the PRO world is VDB's oyster. "Come on Frank, one more time? Show the new guard how it's done."

Frank Vandenbroucke was originally posted on 12-6-06 and seemed like a good follow-up to the VDB video.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Don’t forget the raced license.

In 2006 Frank entered amateur races in Italy "undercover".

He used a license with an Italianized version of his name "Francesco del Ponte" and a picture of Tom Boonen.

Supposedly in the races he would go to the front ride everyone off his wheel and then when he was all alone, head off the course and ride home.

The man so PRO it's insane. Literally.

Anonymous said...

Okay...What bout this...I doubt it was a "misunderstanding".

In February 2007, Vandenbroucke's autobiography was published. Marketing materials reported that, in the book, he admitted to taking performance-enhancing drugs.
"Everybody did it, and so did I," he was quoted as saying. "It is the truth and it does not diminish the value of my victories." The publisher later denied that VDB had said this, claiming it to have been a misunderstanding.

Anonymous said...

Frank will be riding in 2008 for Jartazi-Mitsubishi:
http://picasaweb.google.nl/Frankvdbroucke/FrankTekentBijMitsubishiFrankSigneChezMitsubishi

Erik said...

vdb could beat chuck norris at a fight

Andy Askren said...

Very pro would also be fixing the title of your most pro blog.

Sorry, it's been bugging me how something so pro could have this one thing...oh wait...is it a translation thing? "Belgium" instead of "Belgian"???

Okay, maybe its more pro than I thought after all. Cool.

Simon said...

Did VDB try to commit suicide recently?

Anonymous said...

Ok, I am offering Radio Freddy my services on Andy A! I will give andy a free Newton Turbin for the tittle comment! And that will be PRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Been following your blog for a quite a bit now and hadn't even noticed that it should read "Belgian" Knee Warmers.

Really PRO would be the Vlaams version of Belgium, "Belgie" of course.

Anonymous said...

no, it should be Flemish knee warmers

Anonymous said...

6/6/2008: suicide. got rescued by Palmiarelli, his team boss (aqua e sapone). It was serious, spend time in intensive care. he took an overdose drugs.

hog said...

VDB looked Pro, but Bartoli was the top dog for euro pro style and victories!
Especially in the Italian Champs Jersey and Mapei kit!

Anonymous said...

"Frank has been a teammate of almost every big name in recent cycling; mostly because he gets busted for drugs or fired annually."

bikesgonewild said...

...frankie vdb...huge potential...decent palmares "considering"...but the man definitely rides to the tune of his own drummer...

...real PRO is always having a beautiful woman nearby to warm your knees, whether in belgium or podunk, iowa...mario cipo comes to mind...

Forrest said...

I love your site and cycling, but all these guys are tainted now. I love the book you reviewed about Paris Roubaix but even the cover shot is a doper. I am losing my enthusiam or support for PRO cycling.