Vandenbroucke looking forward to the new season

By Susan Westemeyer

The weather was bad but the mood was good as Team Mitsubishi-Jartazi gathered for a team ride for the photographers. Newly signed big-name Frank Vandenbroucke was among those present, and in fact led the team over the famed Tiegemberg climb. "I have trained a lot already and feel very well," the 33 year-old Belgian told Het Nieuwsblad.

The controversial rider who attempted suicide last June said that "for the first time in three years I have had a carefree winter without sickness and injuries." He was especially happy to be reunited with former team-mate and now team manager Chris Pears, saying, "Chris was always there for me, in good and bad days."

The Belgian Professional Continental team is scheduled to fly today to the south of France for a two week training camp. "VDB" is expected to open his season with the GP Marseillaise and the Etoile de Bessèges, which he hopes will give him a good form for the Tour Méditerranéen.