How serious is Chris Froome’s injury? Here’s what to know
Cycling legend Chris Froome hospitalized after serious crash in southern France
Four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome has been hospitalized following a devastating crash near Toulon, southern France. The 40-year-old British cyclist was flown to hospital by helicopter on Wednesday after sustaining life-threatening injuries in the solo accident, which occurred roughly 170 km from his home in Monaco.
Medical reports confirm that Froome suffered five broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and a fractured lumbar vertebrae. Despite the severity of the crash, he did not sustain any head injuries and was fully conscious when emergency teams reached him. French outlet L’Équipe noted that Froome was able to communicate with medical staff upon arrival. He is scheduled to undergo spinal surgery on Thursday.
Froome’s team, Israel–Premier Tech, described the crash as “serious” but confirmed that he remains in a stable condition. No other riders were involved in the incident.
This setback comes as Froome approaches what could be the final year of his professional career. The legendary rider, who has hinted that 2025 may mark his retirement, is now expected to miss the rest of the season. His contract with Israel–Premier Tech is due to expire at the end of this year.
Chris Froome is widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of his generation. He claimed his first Tour de France victory in 2013 before dominating the event with three consecutive wins between 2015 and 2017. Only Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain boast more titles.
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Beyond the Tour, Froome’s glittering career includes two Olympic bronze medals in the individual time trial (2012, 2016) and recognition as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2015.
This is not the first time Froome has faced a career-threatening crash. In 2019, he missed the Tour de France after a high-speed training accident left him in intensive care with multiple fractures. His determination to return then inspired many, and cycling fans will now be watching closely as the veteran faces another grueling road to recovery.
