Four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome has been hospitalized following a serious crash during a solo training ride near Saint-Raphaël in southern France on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
According to reports, the 40-year-old cyclist was airlifted to a hospital in Toulon, where scans revealed he had suffered a collapsed lung, five broken ribs, and a fractured lumbar vertebra. Fortunately, he did not sustain any head injuries and remained stable and conscious after the accident.
On Thursday, Froome successfully underwent surgery, and his team confirmed that the operation went according to plan. He is now said to be recovering “in good spirits,” expressing gratitude to the medical staff and fans who have sent messages of support.
This marks the second major crash of Froome’s career. In 2019, he suffered multiple fractures in another high-speed training accident ahead of the Critérium du Dauphiné, an ordeal that kept him sidelined for more than a year.
The timing of this new setback adds further uncertainty to his future. Froome’s contract with Israel–Premier Tech is due to expire at the end of 2025, and just a week before the crash he had hinted that this season could be his last in professional cycling. With his injuries likely ruling him out for the remainder of the year, speculation about whether this marks the end of his competitive career has intensified.
Despite the challenges, Froome’s resilience and legacy remain unquestionable. With seven Grand Tour titles to his name—including four Tours de France, two Vueltas a España, and one Giro d’Italia—he is regarded as one of the greatest riders in modern cycling history.
For now, the cycling world waits anxiously as Froome begins his recovery journey, hoping to see the legendary rider return to health, whether on or off the bike.