Cycling champion Chris Froome sustained a potentially fatal tear to the protective sac around his heart during a training accident last week, his wife Michelle has disclosed.
The 40-year-old British cyclist suffered a pericardial rupture alongside previously announced injuries including five fractured ribs, a collapsed lung and a broken vertebra in his spine.
The severity of Froome's condition emerged today as Michelle revealed the full extent of injuries from the high-speed crash near Saint-Raphael in southern France.
The four-time Tour de France winner required emergency airlift to hospital in Toulon following the accident on Wednesday.
Michelle Froome admitted that Chris Froome will not be riding for a long time
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The pericardial rupture represents a rare and serious complication typically associated with severe blunt force trauma.
The accident occurred when Froome struck a kerb whilst cycling at approximately 48-50 kilometres per hour and collided head-first with a road sign.
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Michelle Froome emphasised the gravity of her husband's condition, stating: "It was obviously a lot more serious than just some broken bones. He's fine, but it's going to be a long recovery process. He won't be riding a bike for a while."
She added that "Chris is happy for you to share this because people need to understand what is going on."
The crash happened during a training session near the cyclist's Monaco residence, with the impact causing injuries typically seen in high-speed motor vehicle accidents.
Froome underwent successful surgery at Sainte-Anne Military Hospital in Toulon, which specialises in thoracic trauma treatment.
Michelle Froome told ITV News the facility had "been amazing" and that her husband was "extremely lucky" to receive care there, noting he would likely remain hospitalised for "another week or so."
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Chris Froome has undergone surgery following a horrific crash | PAIsrael-Premier Tech confirmed the procedures proceeded as planned, with Froome recovering under medical supervision.
The team's statement noted: "He is in good spirits and grateful for the excellent medical support he has received. Chris and his family would like to thank fans, friends, and the cycling community for their concern and kind messages during this time."
The seven-time Grand Tour winner's career prospects remain uncertain as his contract with Israel-Premier Tech expires on 31 December.
Chris Froome was airlifted to hospital with severe injuries | PAThis marks Froome's second major crash since dominating professional cycling between 2013 and 2017, when he claimed four Tour de France victories, two Vuelta a España titles and the 2018 Giro d'Italia.
His 2019 accident at the Criterium du Dauphine, which resulted in multiple fractures including his femur and pelvis, significantly impacted his competitive performance.
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Chris Froome has won the Tour de France four times
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Since joining Israel-Premier Tech in 2021, his strongest showing was third place during the 2022 Tour de France's Alpe d'Huez stage.
Froome last competed at August's Tour de Pologne, finishing 68th overall.