How is this going to end - retirement, suicide, drug overdose? It doesn't seem
to me that any kind of recovery is imminent or even possible. I'll keep on
hoping for the best.
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Vandenbroucke fires shots
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A heated domestic dispute between Frank Vandenbroucke and his wife Sarah, which
ended in a heavy police presence arriving at the Fassa Bortolo rider's door, is
the latest in a series of episodes compromising the Belgian's career.
Vandenbroucke is said to have fired a hunting rifle in the air after a heated
exchange with his wife, provoking the armed response by police.
Vandenbroucke's father told the press only that the situation is such that
divorce is a likely course. Vandenbroucke is also said to have threatened
suicide during the exchange.
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Police visit Vandenbroucke residence
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Police were called to the house of Fassa Bortolo rider Frank Vandenbroucke
yesterday afternoon after a domestic dispute apparently got somewhat out of
hand.
According to Belgian news sources, police wearing bullet-proof vests, and an
ambulance and medical emergency team arrived at Vandenbroucke's house in
Nieuwkerke after neighbours heard Vandenbroucke screaming that he would commit
suicide.
At about 1.15 pm, Vandenbroucke's wife Sarah Pinacci left the house. About 30
minutes later Vandenbroucke and police also left. The public prosecutor at Ypres
said that no crime had been committed, but there has been no more official word
on the reason for the arrival of the approximately ten-strong group of police on
the scene.
Reports from the scene are confused. Flemish TV showed Sarah Pinacci packing
suitcases into her car, saying, "This is no laughing matter," and refusing
further comment. Reports from neighbours are contradictory as to whether shots
were heard.
Vandenbroucke has been in dispute with his directeur sportif Giancarlo Ferretti
after VDB recently decided not to start the Tour of Portugal on Thursday because
of tendonitis in his right knee.
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--
Kelly Beard