Four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome has been airlifted to a hospital in Toulon after a serious training accident that could signal the end of his career.
On Thursday, Israel-Premier Tech released a statement confirming the 40-year-old would undergo surgery after suffering a fractured vertebrae, collapsed lung and five broken ribs in a crash. He was taken by helicopter to a hospital located about 100 miles from his home in Monaco.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Froome was conscious and speaking to medical staff upon arrival.
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“Chris was airlifted to hospital in Toulon yesterday following a serious training crash (no other cyclists or vehicles were involved),” the statement read.
“Fortunately Chris is stable and 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.
“We will update on Chris’ condition following surgery.”
Froome is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to his injuries. His five-year contract with Israel–Premier Tech ends this year.
In 2019, Froome was put in intensive care after a separate cycling accident in the Dauphine region of France.
Apart from his Tour de France triumphs in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017, Froome won the Giro d’Italia in 2018 and the Vuelta a Espana in 2011 and 2017.