Froome’s Tour de France Hopes Hit Wall at 60kph

Team Ineos confirmed that Chris Froome suffered fractures to his right femur, right elbow and multiple ribs in a crash during a time trial course recon ahead of stage 4 of the Critérium du Dauphine. Dave Brailsford  said it’s too early know  how they might affect the rest of his season or career.

Team Ineos doctor Richard Usher said:

‘Chris was taken to Roanne Hospital where initial examinations confirmed multiple injuries, most notably a fractured right femur and right elbow. He has also suffered fractured ribs. 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.’

With a broken femur, it’s clear that Froome will not be racing for a record-tying fifth yellow jersey at the Tour de France next month. Brailsford said Froome’s forced exit is a hard blow for the entire organization.

“This is very hard for Chris,” Brailsford said. “He was in magnificent condition for a fifth victory in the Tour. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him at this level.”

Froome was riding at about 60kph on a descent during a recon of the 26km time trial course around Roanne when he went down hard:

“At the start of the descent, Chris wanted to blow his nose, and at that moment, a sharp gust of wind pushed him against a low wall along the side of the road,” Brailsford said. “Chris remained conscious after the crash. Luckily there happened to be an ambulance right there. Sometimes we wonder what they’re doing on the side of the road, but we were lucky that help came so fast.”

Hopefully, Froome can recover quickly and return to racing soon.