Chris Froome breaks silence after horror crash and undergoing life-saving surgery

Chris Froome, the celebrated cyclist and four-time Tour de France champion, is on the mend following a harrowing accident that nearly claimed his life. Earlier this month, Froome underwent critical surgery after a severe crash in southern France. The 40-year-old was helicoptered to hospital for emergency treatment following a collision with a road sign after swerving into a curb at high velocity.

His team, Israel-Premier Tech, disclosed that Froome sustained "pneumothorax, five broken ribs, and a lumbar vertebrae fracture". In addition to a collapsed lung and fractured spine, Froome's injuries were even more grave than initially believed.

"It was obviously a lot more serious than some broken bones," his wife Michelle revealed to The Times. "He's fine but it's going to be a long recovery process. He won't be riding a bike for a while."

Yet, Froome demonstrated his resilience by making an appearance at the Pho3nix Foundation Sport With Purpose Charity Gala 2025 in Zurich.

During the gala, he shared: "I think this was a motivation for me to try and push in terms of the rehab and getting out of hospital in time to be ready for this event because it sounds like it's going to be an amazing evening."

Cycling at speeds exceeding 30mph, Froome suffered a pericardial rupture - a potentially lethal tear to the sac encasing the heart.

He was promptly admitted to the Sainte Anne Toulon military hospital, renowned for its expertise in severe trauma injuries, where surgeons successfully repaired the damage.

The gravity of a pericardial rupture means that Froome will be under stringent observation to prevent any cardiac complications. While his career as a professional cyclist hangs in the balance, the severity of the crash casts significant doubt over his return to the sport.

Following his operation, Israel-Premier Tech released a statement as the team explained: "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."