Chris Froome, the four-time Tour de France champion, faced another career setback when he suffered a broken collarbone during the final stage of the UAE Tour on February 23, 2025. The 39-year-old rider was involved in a mass pile-up within the first ten kilometers of the race, which forced him to abandon.
Shortly after the crash, Froome’s team, Israel-Premier Tech, released a statement confirming the injury. "A CT scan has confirmed a distal non-displaced fracture of his right clavicle (collarbone). Chris will be examined tomorrow (Monday) by an orthopedic surgeon to determine whether surgery will be necessary to stabilize his fracture," the statement read.
The crash left Froome’s bike significantly damaged, which has raised concerns about his future participation in the cycling season, especially since many speculate this year might be his last. Previously, Froome hinted at retiring after competing at the Vuelta, echoing his desire to “close the circle” as he began his professional career at this prestigious race.
Throughout the race, Froome struggled, starting the final stage ranked 75th overall and over 17 minutes behind the leader, Tadej Pogačar. Join the list of riders who withdrew due to illness and injuries during this event, Froome was not alone. Several other racers faced similar fates, including Bahrain Victorious’ Rainer Kepplinger, who managed to finish 15th following the crash.
The hopes of the supportive fans have now shifted as they wonder if they have witnessed the last grounds of Froome’s illustrious career. Since suffering from serious injuries following the high-speed crash during the 2019 Criterium du Dauphiné, Froome has faced numerous challenges, including controversy over bike set-ups and health issues related to overtraining.
Froome’s latest injury adds more weight to the uncertainty surrounding his cycling future. The experienced competitor had confidently shared, "I think it’s time. Next year, I'm going to be 40. It was always my goal to be racing until the age of 40..." This statement captures Froome’s reflective mindset as he approaches the precipice of retirement.
The cycling community is now left to speculate whether Froome can recover and return to form, especially as the 2025 season progresses. With aspirations of riding another Grand Tour fueling his drive, Froome hopes to give fans one last remarkable performance. His career, filled with monumental victories and significant struggles, leaves fans and analysts questioning whether he will be able to return or if this moment was the final curtain call for one of the sport's greats.
Froome's resilience has always been part of his character, and with the medical evaluation pending, the cycling world holds its breath, wondering if this legend can rise once again, akin to the famous comeback of Sir Mark Cavendish. Time will tell if Froome's next chapter can still be written after this latest setback.