Where do they come up with these excuses?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070606.TRIATHLON06/TPStory/Sports
Don’t know…but, one of the best excuses was Vandenbrouke and it’s for my dog…Today he is in hospital after a suicide attempt. He is in critical condition
Frank Vandenbroucke didn’t make excuses, he simply tried to kill himself today…I’m not making light of this at all, but the importance we place on doping or cycling in general is infinitesimal compared to Belgium.
Oh, yes…he did make some serious excuses. He had close to $100,000 of stuff at his place and said it was for his dog. That’s just as good as Rumsas (not comparing Rumsas’ mother in law with VDB’s dog…don’t misread me 
)
But it’s sad…
Wow, I don’t care what happened in the past, and what mistakes a talent laden guy like Frank made, but when a human being is driven to depth of wanting to commit suicide, it really is a sad day. Not knowing a lot about suicide nor the typical psychological profile, I am nevertheless always at a loss when it comes to understanding what would drive a human to consider the option of suicide being a more attractive “out” compared to any of the hardships of living.
Frank Vandenbroucke didn’t make excuses, he simply tried to kill himself today…I’m not making light of this at all, but the importance we place on doping or cycling in general is infinitesimal compared to Belgium.
http://www.velonews.com/news/fea/12376.0.html
As Francois pointed out VdB did make excuses…possibly the worst ones ever. I do feel for his family though.
What about when the past/history keeps repeating itself. How many chances do you give a person?
In trying to be quick, I pretty much messed up my entire post. He did make excuses, you are absolutely correct, but more importantly for me, the depth to which he sunk to attempt suicide over his choices is startling. As I said, the pressure on cyclists here is nothing compared to Belgium.
Bob
When you’re a young rider, and you are called the new Eddy Merckx in Belgium, indeed, there is a lot of pressure…VDB always seemed to have a huge ego, but many of his friends say that it’s to hide a real lack of confidence…quite common I guess (unless you’re a track and field sprinter, play in the NBA or NFL )
his behaviour on the bike and off the bike has always been erratic at best…actually, I don’t even think it’s his first attempt.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the dog.