British Tour de France-winning cyclist Chris Froome undergoes surgery after 'serious' crash

British Tour de France winning cyclist Chris Froome has undergone surgery after a "serious" crash.

The four-time Tour de France winner, 40, was airlifted to hospital following the crash, which took place while he was training in France, his team, Israel Premier-Tech, announced on Thursday.

An update was posted on his social media account on Friday, which said: "We can confirm that Chris has successfully undergone surgery following his recent injuries.

"The procedures went as planned, and Chris is currently recovering in hospital under the care of his medical team.

"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."

Froome was airlifted in Toulon on Wednesday following a "serious training crash", an earlier update on his social media account said. No other cyclists or vehicles were involved.

"Fortunately, Chris is stable and did not sustain any head injury," his team said.

However, "scans have confirmed a pneumothorax, five broken ribs and a lumbar vertebrae fracture, for which he will undergo surgery".

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Messages of support poured in after the positive update, with many fans wishing him a speedy recovery.

"Great news! Hope you heal up quickly Chris, wishing you all the best," reads a message from one fan.

"Such a relief to hear. Get well soon," another said.

Froome won the Tour de France with Team Sky in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017 and has won the Vuelta a Espana twice and the Giro d'Italia once.

However, the three-time Olympic bronze medallist has been nowhere near his best form since suffering serious injuries in a horrific high-speed crash during training for the Criterium du Dauphine in 2019.

He spent more than three weeks in hospital after fracturing his neck, femur, elbow, hip and ribs when he crashed into a wall at high speed while training.

Froome more recently broke his collarbone at the UAE Tour in February and has also hinted that 2025 could be his final year of competitive racing.

(c) Sky News 2025: British Tour de France-winning cyclist Chris Froome undergoes surgery after 'serious' crash