Chris Froome sustains near-fatal heart injury in training accident

Chris Froome sustained a potentially fatal heart injury during a training accident in France last week, which also left him with a fractured spine and multiple broken ribs. The four-time Tour de France champion experienced a pericardial rupture—a tear in the membrane enclosing the heart—as a result of the crash.

“The situation was far more severe than just fractures,” his wife, Michelle Froome, mentioned to the Times. “He’s stable, but recovery will take time. He won’t be cycling anytime soon.”

Froome was transported by helicopter to the Sainte Anne Toulon military hospital, one of France’s top trauma facilities. His team, Israel-Premier Tech, had earlier reported that the 40-year-old suffered a collapsed lung, five broken ribs, and a fractured lumbar vertebra.

Before the accident, Froome had been uncertain about his retirement plans. “I’m not entirely sure if I’ll retire at the end of this season,” he said last spring. “Most likely, but I’m keeping options open for now.”

However, the severity of his injuries has led to increased speculation that he may soon step away from professional racing.

Elsewhere, Dutch sprinter Olav Kooij, racing alongside Jonas Vingegaard for Visma-Lease a Bike, overtook Norway’s Tord Gudmestad to secure victory in the first stage of the 2025 Tour of Britain in Southwold.

Kooij, who claimed four stage wins in the 2023 edition, resumed his strong performance on the Suffolk coast. He held back during Gudmestad’s sudden surge before making a final push in the last stretch.

“There was a strong headwind after the final turn, along with a slight incline,” Kooij said. “It was about timing the final effort just right. Gudmestad was tough, but he was battling the wind, and I managed to use his slipstream to pass him.”

Though unsure of repeating his past success, Kooij remains focused on adding more victories.

Geraint Thomas, competing in his last professional race, nearly missed the start after his flight to Stansted was delayed late Monday. “I wasn’t sure I’d make it yesterday with all the cancellations,” he admitted before the stage.

Thomas arrived at his hotel in the early hours, leaving him with little rest. “The priority is enjoying it and soaking it all in,” he said. “I’m not in top form, but we have strong riders to perform well.”