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

Chris Froome’s wife says he was fortunate to survive the terrifying bike crash that has threatened his career.

Froome was airlifted to hospital last week after coming off his bike during a training ride in the south of France. The 40-year-old required surgery on his injuries after clipping the curb at high speed and hitting a road sign.

His team Israel-Premier Tech said the four-time Tour de France champion 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: Chris Froome health update given as cycling legend undergoes surgery on serious injuries

READ MORE: British cycling champ Chris Froome airlifted to hospital after serious crash

Froome was travelling at over 30mph when he crashed and also sustained a pericardial rupture – a tear to the sac that surrounds the heart. Thankfully, 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.

Froome, who lives in Monaco, shares two children – Kellan, 9, and Katie, 7 – with Michelle and will take his time to recover. His last race came at the Tour de Pologne in August, where he finished 68th overall.

His contract with Israel-Premier Tech is due to expire at the end of the year and he has already spoken openly about the possibility of retirement. Were he to bow out, he would do so with his reputation secure as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.

Froome won the prestigious Tour de France in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017 and has won seven Grand Tours altogether, having also triumphed in the Giro d'Italia and twice in the Vuelta a Espana.

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."