Chris Froome leaves the hospital after heavy crash, but what’s next for the 40-year-old star?

According to the French sports newspaper, 40-year-old Froome was hit by a car during training near Saint-Raphaël on Wednesday, but this proved not to be the case. The Brit was flown by helicopter to the hospital in Toulon.

According to L'Equipe, Froome was seriously injured but remained conscious and was even able to communicate with his entourage. The nature of his injuries is not yet known, but he is expected to be out of action until the end of this season.

He quickly provided an update himself—or via his entourage—via social media. "Chris was airlifted to hospital in Toulon yesterday afternoon following a serious training crash (no other vehicles or cyclists were involved). Fortunately, his condition is stable and he did not sustain any head injuries.’‘However, scans have confirmed a pneumothorax, five broken ribs and a lumbar vertebrae fracture, for which he will undergo surgery this afternoon."

"However, scans have revealed a pneumothorax, five broken ribs and a lumbar vertebrae fracture, for which he will undergo surgery this afternoon. We will provide a further update after the surgery."

It could also mean the end of his career, as his contract with Israel-Premier Tech runs until the end of 2025. Since Froome suffered a serious crash during a time trial recon in the Dauphiné in 2019, the four-time Tour winner has not been able to return to the level he achieved in his better years.

On Friday morning, a new, reassuring update was released. "We can confirm that Chris has successfully undergone surgery for his recent injuries," according to X. "The procedures went as planned and Chris is currently recovering in hospital, under the care of the medical team."

"He is in good spirits and grateful for the excellent medical support he has received," the statement continued. "Chris and his family would like to thank fans, friends, and the cycling community for their concern and kind messages during this time." All's well that ends well? Yes, but in an interview with The Times a week after the crash, Michelle Froome provided details.

En die waren niet mals. Zo scheurde de viervoudig Tourwinnaar zijn hartzakje bij die nare val, wat levensbedreigend kan zijn. 'Het is duidelijk veel ernstiger dan wat gebroken botten. Het gaat nu goed met hem, maar het wordt een lang herstelproces. Hij zal een tijdje niet fietsen. Chris is blij dat dit wordt gedeeld, zodat mensen weten wat er aan de hand is', aldus zijn vrouw.

Fortunately, Froome can continue his recovery at home, as he posted a lovely photo of himself and his daughter on Friday (September 5), more than a week after the crash. “Relieved to be on my way home from the hospital,” wrote Froome, who naturally thanked the staff at HIA Saint Anne Hospital.

The big question is: what now? The crash could mean the end of his career, as his contract with Israel-Premier Tech runs until the end of 2025. Since Froome suffered a serious crash during a time trial recon in the Dauphiné in 2019, the four-time Tour winner has not been able to return to the level he achieved in his better years.