Chris Froome already looking to rehab after successful surgery, Team Ineos confirm

After six hours of surgery, doctors are happy with his progress

Chris Froome ahead of the 2018 Tirreno-Adriatico (Sunada)
(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

Chris Froome is already discussing rehabilitation options after a successful six-hour surgery, his team have confirmed.

The 34-year-old is expected to remain in hospital for the next few days for observation but doctors are happy with his progress so far.

Froome underwent surgery on Wednesday evening (June 12) after a horrific crash at the Critérium du Dauphiné, which left him with fractures to his pelvis, femur, elbow and ribs.

Team Ineos confirmed the that six-hour operation was a success and that Froome is already looking to his recovery.

>>> ‘He’ll be back from this’: Pro peloton shows support for Chris Froome after horrific crash

Doctor for the British WorldTour outfit Richard Usher said: “First things first, the surgery was a success. The operation, which lasted six hours, went very well.

“Chris woke up this morning and was reviewed by the intensive care consultants and the orthopaedic specialist who operated on him and they’re both very happy with his progress to date.”

Dr Usher added: “Chris will remain in hospital for the next few days for observation, but he is already actively engaging in discussing his rehabilitation options, which is very encouraging.

“As he begins his road to recovery, the team will now only be providing further updates at a stage where it is necessary to do so.”

Team Ineos said Froome has thanked his fans for the messages of support since his crash, and he will release his own statement in the coming days.

Froome crashed on a descent during a course recon for the stage four time trial at the Dauphinè.

>>> Strength in depth Team Ineos’s saving grace after loss of Chris Froome for Tour de France

He took his hand from the bars to wipe his nose when a gust of wind caught his front wheel, causing him to crash and hit a wall at around 55km/h.

After being taken to hospital in Roanne, where the stage started and finished he was air-lifted to Saint-Etienne hospital where he underwent surgery that night, and was placed in intensive care.

Froome's surgeon said the four-time Tour de France winner could be back to racing in six months.

Team Ineos have confirmed he definitely will not race the 2019 Tour.

Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Alex Ballinger

Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers.  Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.