Mitsubishi offered to not start Vandenbroucke

Professional Continental Team Mitsubishi-Jartazi has admitted that the team offered to sacrifice Frank Vandenbroucke in exchange for the UCI's wild-card status for ProTour races. "The wild card status is very important to the team and sponsor," Manager Patrick Stallaert told Het Laatste Nieuws. The team sent a letter to the UCI on February 12 with the offer, which the UCI evidently accepted, as the team was granted the wild-card status.

"It is painful for Frank, but we can't sacrifice 25 riders for him," Stallaert said. "VDB", who is currently training in Italy, said, "I would never believe that Stallaert would have consciously sacrifice me. But I understand completely that the team is more important."

Vandenbroucke had indicated that he would sue the UCI over the decision.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1