Vandenbroucke: "I want to make a fast comeback"

Frank Vandenbroucke wants to return to racing as soon as possible after trying to take his own life last week. The rider from Italy's Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo spoke to Italian media outlets TV La7 and Gazzetta dello Sport from his hospital bed in Magenta.

"I will return because, as long as there is life, there is hope," declared Vandenbroucke.

The Belgian was admitted to hospital last week having made an attempt on his life after suffering depression due to a breakup with his wife Sarah. "My family means everything to me," he said. "I want to get back on the bike now to show my wife the man that she married."

During the interview Vandenbrouke also admitted for the first time that he tried to take his life, having previously denied all claims. "I did it because I was desperate, my family was everything," explained Vandenbrouke, who is still struggling with a knee injury. "Cycling is and will be the first reason for life and soon I'll put everything back to normal. I want to get myself better and return to training, to return to the levels that should still be mine."