Chris Froome Stable After Serious Training Crash in France, Awaiting Surgery
A collapsed lung and multiple fractures – including five broken ribs and a fractured lumbar vertebra – have landed cycling icon Chris Froome in a French hospital following a training accident on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The four-time Tour de France winner is reported to be in stable condition and will undergo surgery this afternoon.
A Familiar Setback for a Cycling Legend
The incident, which occurred near Saint-Raphaël on the Côte d’Azur, involved no other cyclists or vehicles, according to a release from his team, Israel-Premier Tech. Froome was airlifted to a hospital in Toulon after the crash. Fortunately, medical scans confirmed he did not sustain any head injuries. However, the extent of his injuries raises serious questions about the future of his already challenging comeback.
“Fortunately, Chris is stable and did not sustain any head injuries,” a team spokesperson stated. “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.”
Echoes of 2019
This latest setback evokes painful memories of Froome’s devastating crash during a reconnaissance ride for the 2019 Critérium du Dauphiné. That accident, which occurred six years prior to this incident, significantly altered the course of his career, requiring extensive rehabilitation and impacting his ability to regain his previous dominance.
The 40-year-old recently completed the Tour de Pologne, finishing 30 minutes behind general classification winner Brandon McNulty. He was not selected to compete in the ongoing Vuelta a España, and currently has no further races scheduled for the remainder of 2025.
Contract Uncertainty and Team Troubles
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Froome’s contract with Israel-Premier Tech is set to expire this winter. He recently acknowledged the possibility that his time in professional cycling may be nearing its end. This injury further complicates contract negotiations and casts a shadow over his future prospects.
The timing of this crash is particularly difficult for Israel-Premier Tech, which is currently navigating a contract dispute with rider Derek Gee. The team also faced disruption earlier this week when it was targeted by anti-Israel demonstrators during the Vuelta a España.
The team is facing a tumultuous period, both on and off the bike.
Updates on Froome’s condition will be provided following his surgery. The cycling world awaits news with concern, hoping for a full recovery for one of the sport’s most celebrated champions.
