Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome has been airlifted to a hospital in Toulon, France, following a serious training accident. The 40-year-old cyclist sustained multiple injuries, prompting immediate medical attention. His team, Israel-Premier Tech, confirmed that Froome is stable and did not incur any head trauma. However, scans revealed a collapsed lung, five broken ribs, and a fracture in his lumbar vertebrae.
The incident occurred while Froome was training near Saint-Raphael on Wednesday. His team stated that “no other cyclists or vehicles were involved” in the crash, which has raised concerns about his future in competitive cycling. Froome was scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday afternoon, local time.
Injury Details and Career Impact
Froome’s last major victory came in the Giro d’Italia in 2018, a significant achievement in his storied career. He also claimed the Spanish Vuelta twice, in 2011 and 2017, and dominated the Tour de France with four titles, starting in 2013 and achieving a hat-trick from 2015 to 2017. Since then, however, his path has been marred by injuries.
In 2019, Froome suffered a severe crash during the Criterium du Dauphine, resulting in a broken femur, elbow, and ribs. That incident prevented him from returning to form as he prepared for a potential record-equalling fifth Tour de France title. His recent crash raises the possibility that his cycling career may be nearing its end, especially as his contract with Israel-Premier Tech is set to expire soon.
Froome had previously expressed ambitions to compete in the Tour de France one last time before retiring. Unfortunately, earlier in 2023, he encountered another setback, suffering a broken collarbone during the final stage of the UAE Tour, which further delayed his return to competitive racing.
As Froome undergoes surgery and begins recovery, the cycling community watches closely, hopeful for his return but aware of the potential challenges ahead. With a legacy built on remarkable achievements, Froome’s future in the sport remains uncertain.
