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Chris Froome Will Miss the Tour de France After Sustaining Multiple Serious Injuries

By Monica Buck

The four-time Tour champion crashed during a recon of the time trial course yesterday and was taken to a hospital immediately afterwards. His injuries include a fractured right femur, a fractured elbow and fractured ribs. Team INEOS already confirmed he will not race at the Tour.

“Chris was taken to Roanne Hospital where initial examinations confirmed multiple injuries,” team doctor, Richard Usher, said. He is now being airlifted to St Etienne University Hospital for further treatment. On behalf of the team, I would like to commend the treatment he received from the emergency services and all at Roanne Hospital in assessing and stabilising him. We will now turn our focus towards supporting him in his recovery.”

It is believed Froome took his hands off the bars to blow his nose when a sudden gust of wind sent him into a low wall. The 34-year-old looked to be in perfect form at the Dauphiné and on track to win the record-equalling fifth Tour de France title.

“One of the things that sets Chris apart is his mental strength and resilience – and we will support him totally in his recovery, help him to recalibrate and assist him in pursuing his future goals and ambitions,” Sir Dave Brailsford, added in a team statement. “Even though we all recognise the risks involved in our sport, it’s always traumatic when a rider crashes and sustains serious injuries. Chris had worked incredibly hard to get in fantastic shape and was on track for the Tour, which unfortunately he will now miss.”

Chris Froome out on team and individual high altitude training with the INEOS team. © Profimedia, TEMP Rex Features

We all wish Chris Froome a speedy recovery.