Chris Froome is still recovering from the catastrophic injuries he suffered in a crash on August 27. Now, the 40-year-old professional cyclist and four-time Tour de France champion is zeroed in on returning to top form. He incurred a pericardial rupture after a collision while cycling in the Toulon region of France. This tear impacted the protective fibrous sac around his heart. Froome was quickly airlifted to a hospital for immediate care.
The pericardial rupture that Froome survived is a well documented but extremely rare, often fatal condition usually resulting from blunt chest contusion. It was the worst heart injury of his life. In addition, he suffered several broken bones, the breaks in his ribs and his back and a punctured lung. His wife, Michelle Froome, was the one who revealed just how badly hurt he was, and just how serious those injuries are.
“It was obviously a lot more serious than some broken bones,” – Michelle Froome
Though faced with numerous obstacles from these injuries, Froome is still committed to fighting his way back to health. His supportive wife, Michelle Froome, commented that he is out of danger but the path to recovery will be lengthy and difficult.
“He’s fine, but it’s going to be a long recovery process. He won’t be riding a bike for a while,” – Michelle Froome
Froome’s recent crash is just the latest in a line of serious injuries that have plagued his career. Earlier this year, he suffered a broken collarbone after crashing during the final stage of the UAE Tour. This injury has prevented him from starting in this year’s Tour de France. After dominating this race in the past, winning four consecutive championships and seven Grand Tours total. His stellar body of work would be highlighted by two Vuelta a España crowns and one Giro d’Italia triumph.
Froome had said in the past that he wanted to race the Tour de France one last time before hanging up his wheels for good. With these latest injuries, that dream seems like a much further reality now.
He’s just beginning his recovery journey. Fans of the sport from around the world and cyclists in general are rallying around him, and we can only wish for a successful rehabilitation and for his eventual return to competition as a professional cyclist. The cycling community is no stranger to Froome’s superiority. Havoc has already been wreaked by the comradeship of resiliency demonstrated by Froome.
