Chris Froome was involved in an accident yesterday morning (Wednesday) while training in the Saint Raphael area, in the Var department. The forty-year-old British rider, who never lost consciousness and was able to speak with members of his entourage, was immediately rescued and airlifted to Toulon hospital.

According to L'Equipe this morning, he was reportedly hit by a vehicle on Wednesday in the Saint-Raphael area and transported by helicopter to Toulon hospital.

The circumstances and conditions were clarified by a statement from Israel Premier Tech, which does not mention any vehicle impact (mystery?): "Chris Froome was transported yesterday by helicopter to Toulon hospital after a serious training accident, which did not involve any other vehicles or cyclists. The examinations he underwent revealed a pneumothorax, fractures of five ribs, and a lumbar vertebrae fracture which will require surgery this afternoon. Further updates will be provided after the surgical procedure."

Six years ago, Froome, who has won the Tour de France four times in his career and now rides for Israel Premier Tech, was victim of a terrible accident during a time trial reconnaissance at the Dauphiné, which forced him into a long rehabilitation and essentially prevented him from performing at the highest level again.