Four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome was transported by air ambulance to a medical facility in Toulon after sustaining severe injuries during a solo training session yesterday.
The 40-year-old British cycling legend encountered a serious accident whilst riding near the southern French city, approximately 170 kilometres from his Monaco residence.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident, with a helicopter evacuation deemed necessary given the gravity of his condition.
The crash occurred on Wednesday afternoon during what began as a routine training ride, with no other riders or vehicles involved in the incident.
Chris Froome has been airlifted to hospital with severe injuries
|PA
Medical examinations revealed the extent of Froome's injuries, including a collapsed lung, five fractured ribs and a broken lumbar vertebra.
The cyclist is scheduled for spinal surgery this afternoon to address the vertebral damage.
Despite the severity of these injuries, medical staff confirmed Froome remains in a stable condition.
Crucially, he avoided any head trauma and has maintained consciousness throughout his treatment.
According to his team's statement: "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, for which he will undergo surgery this afternoon."
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French media outlet L'Equipe reported that the British cyclist remained alert upon reaching the hospital and communicated with medical personnel.
His team, Israel-Premier Tech, released an official announcement confirming the accident details and promising updates following the surgical procedure.
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Chris Froome is in a stable condition, doctors say
|PA
The crash effectively ends Froome's competitive season, with recovery from such extensive injuries expected to require significant rehabilitation time.
The Kenya-born rider, who represents Britain and is widely regarded as the nation's most successful road cyclist, had been preparing for upcoming races when the accident occurred.
His team stated they would provide further information about his condition after today's operation concludes.
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