Frank Vandenbroucke's life in pictures

Considered one of the most talented riders of his generation, Frank Vandenbroucke's time on this earth was too short, as was his tenure in ranks of professional cycling.

While his star shone brightly, its beams were short-lived, giving fans plenty of joy for a brief time. They held onto the memories for the remainder of his life and 'VDB' was a sporadic topic of discussion amongst aficionados familiar with Vandenbroucke's exploits in 1999.

Whilst that extremely successful season with Cofidis established the Belgian as a bona fide star of the sport, the events following that year gained him the notoriety for which he was remembered in recent times. Drugs, depression and a general downward spiral spelled the end for the man from Kortrijk.

Cyclingnews brings you images from the career of 'the golden boy', who died yesterday at the age of 34.

Things were looking up for Frank Vandenbroucke in 2003 when he rode strongly at Ronde van Vlaanderen.

In his last year at Mapei a victory at Gent-Wevelgem was the beginning of the two year pinnacle of Frank Vandenbroucke’s career.

Michele Bartoli narrowly beats Frank Vandenbroucke to win Zuri Metzgete in 1998.

Click here to view the full gallery.

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