Chris Froome speaks for first time since life-saving operation after horror crash

Chris Froome was in good spirits as the cycling legend continues his recovery from a scary crash which almost took his life. Froome, who won four Tour de France titles between 2013 and 2017, underwent life-saving surgery earlier this month when he came off his bike in the south of France.

The 40-year-old was airlifted to hospital and required surgery on his injuries after clipping the curb at high speed and hitting a road sign.

His team Israel-Premier Tech said Froome had suffered “pneumothorax, five broken ribs, and a lumbar vertebrae fracture”. As well as a collapsed lung and broken back, Froome actually suffered an even scarier injury.

“It was obviously a lot more serious than some broken bones,” his wife Michelle told 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.”

READ MORE: Team GB in relay catastrophe as star issues World Athletics Championships apology

READ MORE: Chris Froome's life-threatening heart injury suffered in serious crash detailed by wife

And Froome showed the recovery process is going well as he attended the Pho3nix Foundation Sport With Purpose Charity Gala 2025 in Zurich.

Speaking at the event, he said: "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."

Froome was travelling at over 30mph when he crashed and also sustained a pericardial rupture – a tear to the sac that surrounds the heart. He was taken to the Sainte Anne Toulon military hospital which specialises in treating severe trauma injuries and they were able to repair the tear.

A pericardial rupture can be fatal and the British cycling legend will be closely monitored to ensure he does not develop cardiac complications. Any decision on his future as a professional cyclist has been put on hold, but the crash means there are now serious doubts he will continue.

In a statement after his surgery, Israel-Premier Tech 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."