Froome’s team issues update after heavy crash: Brit stable but needs urgent spinal surgery

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.