Chris Froome fractured his femur bone as well as his elbow and several ribs in the high-speed crash which ended his Dauphine and ruled him out of next month’s Tour de France.
Froome was on a reconnaissance ride ahead of the day’s time trial in Roanne, central France, when he came off his bike at 65kph and slammed into a wall.
Team Ineos’s general manager, Sir Dave Brailsford, revealed that the accident was “very serious” and the team later confirmed the extent of Froome’s injuries.
Team 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.”
Team principal, Sir Dave Brailsford, added: “Our primary focus now is obviously on ensuring Chris gets the very best possible care, which he will do, so he can recover as soon as possible.
“One of our big strengths on this team is coming together in difficult moments, and we will ensure we do everything possible to support Chris and his family.”
