Chris Froome injured, will miss Tour de France
June 12, 2019
Tour de France favorite Chris Froome will not compete in this year's event, Team Ineos confirmed on Wednesday. The 34-year-old was injured turning a training exercise at the Criterium du Dauphine, a road race that takes place across Switzerland and France.
"It's clear he'll take no part in the Tour," Team Ineos leader Dave Brailsford told French television. "He is in a very, very serious condition."
Froome was attended to by a roadside ambulance before being airlifted to a nearby hospital.
'Multiple injuries'
According to Richard Usher, Team Ineos doctor, Froome was taken to Roanne Hospital.
"Initial examinations confirmed multiple injuries, most notably a fractured right femur and right elbow. He has also suffered fractured ribs," Usher said.
"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 stabilizing him. We will now turn our focus towards supporting him in his recovery," he added.
Team Principal, Sir Dave Brailsford, said their main focus now would be to ensure Froome's recovery.
"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," he said.
"One of the things which sets Chris (Froome) apart is his mental strength and resilience – and we will support him totally in his recovery, help him to recalibrate and assist him in pursuing his future goals and ambitions."
Born in Kenya to British parents, Froome became a professional cyclist at the age of 22 in 2007, but rose to fame for his breakthrough performances in late 2011. He has gone on to win, on top of his four Tour de France titles, the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España.
shs, es/msh (AFP, Reuters)