The family of Chris Froome say the British cycling legend is ‘in good spirits’ as he recovers in hospital after a serious training accident.
The four-time Tour de France winner was airlifted to hospital on Wednesday after suffering multiple serious injuries, including a broken back and a collapsed lung.
4
4
Froome was injured while training near Saint-Raphael on the Cote d’Azur, south of France, after a crash that involved no other cyclists or vehicles.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning with the 40-year-old airlifted to hospital in Toulon where he underwent surgery, which his family said was successful.
A statement posted on Froome’s social media accounts reads: “We can confirm that Chris has successfully undergone surgery following his recent injuries.
“The procedures went as planned, and Chris is currently recovering in hospital under the care of his medical team.
“He is in good spirits and grateful for the excellent medical support he has received.
“Chris and his family would like to thank fans, friends, and the cycling community for their concern and kind messages during this time.”
With his season over, Froome will now focus on his recovery from his injuries, with this latest major crash likely to raise doubts over his future in competitive racing.
Froome has won each of cycling’s Grand Tours, including four victories of the sport’s premier event, Le Tour, in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017.
The Brit also has two Vuelta a España wins and one Giro d’Italia triumph, as well as two Olympic bronze medals for Great Britain.
Froome’s second major injury in six years
He suffered a serious crash at the Criterium du Dauphine in 2019 and hasn’t been competitive since.
4
Froome collided with a wall in the event which is a prelude to the Tour de France and he was taken to intensive care.
The incident was deemed a ‘freak accident’ which took place when he attempted to blow his nose in the town of Roanne.
Froome broke a leg, ribs and an elbow when he lost control during high winds while cycling at 37mph.
The former Team Ineos rider joined Israel – Premier Tech in 2021, but had dropped off the radar without a Grand Tour win since the 2018 Giro d’Italia.
Retirement on the cards for Froome?
Just a week ago the Kenyan-born star had hinted at retirement in an interview with bici.pro.
“My contract is expiring and I don’t know if I’ll continue or not,” he said.
4
“What’s certain is that when I stop, as I’ve been saying for some time, I want to open a cycling school in Africa.
“I want to give lots of young people the opportunity to ride and pursue a career.
“I think it’s a growing continent, especially in that part of Africa.
“I’m thinking of the Ethiopian and Kenyan marathon and middle-distance runners.
“I think there are talents like that who are also suited to cycling, they just haven’t had the opportunity to race before.
“I won’t be racing in the World Championships in Rwanda, and it’s clear that I would have liked to be there, but it’s not a big problem because it doesn’t change my plans.
“My real goal is to develop a great project that I’m sure will bring interesting new riders.”
