Chris Froome, the legendary British cyclist and four-time Tour de France champion, is facing another daunting chapter in his storied career after being airlifted to a hospital in Toulon, France, following a serious training crash near Saint-Raphaël on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. The 40-year-old, currently riding for Israel–Premier Tech, is reported to be in stable condition but has suffered significant injuries, including five broken ribs, a lumbar vertebrae fracture, and a pneumothorax—a collapsed lung. The incident has cast a cloud over the end of his season and possibly his entire professional career.
According to a statement released by Israel–Premier Tech on X, "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." The team further confirmed that Froome was conscious and able to speak following the crash, with no other cyclists or vehicles involved. Surgery was scheduled for Thursday afternoon, August 28, 2025, as doctors prepared to address the most pressing of his injuries.
The crash occurred while Froome was out training near Saint-Raphaël, not far from his home in Monaco. He was swiftly airlifted by helicopter to the hospital in Toulon, a testament to the seriousness of the accident. French sports outlet L’Équipe reported that Froome remained lucid and communicative throughout the ordeal, which, given the extent of his injuries, is remarkable. The team assured fans and the cycling world that updates would follow after surgery.
Froome’s injuries are severe enough that he is almost certain to miss the remainder of the 2025 season. With his five-year contract at Israel–Premier Tech set to expire at the end of the year, speculation is mounting that this incident could mark the end of his illustrious career. As L’Équipe and other sources noted, "He is unlikely to race again this campaign." Given Froome’s previous hints that 2025 might be his final year in the peloton, the timing could not be more poignant.
This is not the first time Froome has faced a life-altering crash. Back in 2019, during a reconnaissance ride at the Critérium du Dauphiné, he crashed heavily, suffering a fractured femur, elbow, ribs, pelvis, and sternum, and lost four pints of blood. That incident required intensive care and an extended period away from competition. Although Froome made a determined comeback, returning to racing eight months later, he never quite recaptured the dominant form that saw him rise to the top of the cycling world in the mid-2010s.
Froome’s list of achievements is staggering. He is one of only a handful of cyclists to have won all three Grand Tours, boasting four Tour de France titles (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017), two Vuelta a España victories (2011, 2017), and a single Giro d’Italia triumph in 2018. His seven Grand Tour wins place him among the sport’s all-time greats, with only Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain having more Tour de France victories. Froome’s dominance with Team Sky, later Ineos Grenadiers, defined an era for British cycling and inspired a new generation of riders.
His recent years, however, have been marred by injury and misfortune. In February 2025, Froome broke his collarbone during the UAE Tour, another setback in a season that never quite gained momentum. He last competed at the Tour de Pologne earlier this month, where he finished 68th overall—a far cry from the podium finishes that once seemed routine. The shadow of the 2019 crash has loomed large, with Froome himself acknowledging that he never fully regained the physical condition that powered his Grand Tour victories.
Despite these challenges, Froome has remained a respected figure in the peloton, admired for his resilience and professionalism. His move to Israel–Premier Tech in 2021 on a five-year deal was seen as a bold attempt to reignite his career and help build a new powerhouse in world cycling. Though Grand Tour victories eluded him in this chapter, Froome’s presence brought experience and star power to the team, and he continued to command respect from teammates and rivals alike.
Froome’s career began in earnest in 2008 when he turned professional with Barloworld. He spent 11 years with Team Sky, the team that would later become Ineos, and quickly established himself as a Grand Tour contender. His first Tour de France victory in 2013 was followed by a historic hat trick from 2015 to 2017, cementing his place in cycling folklore. Alongside his Grand Tour successes, Froome also holds two Olympic medals and 46 professional wins, making him one of the most decorated British cyclists of all time.
The cycling community has rallied around Froome in the wake of his latest crash. Messages of support have poured in from fans, fellow riders, and cycling organizations. Israel–Premier Tech posted, "Please join us in wishing @chrisfroome well and a speedy recovery," reflecting the widespread concern and respect for Froome’s contributions to the sport.
Looking ahead, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Froome will attempt yet another comeback or if the curtain is finally closing on his extraordinary career. With his contract expiring and his body enduring yet another major trauma, the odds are stacked against a return to competitive racing. But if Froome’s career has taught us anything, it’s that he should never be counted out. The Briton has defied expectations before, and while the road ahead is uncertain, his legacy is already secure.
As Froome undergoes surgery and begins the long road to recovery, the cycling world waits anxiously for further updates. For now, the sport pauses to reflect on the achievements of a true champion and to wish Chris Froome strength and healing in the days to come.
