Chris Froome’s chase of a fourth Tour de France title was dealt a severe blow today when he suffered a crash at Stage Four of the Criterium du Dauphine that resulted in multiple fractures.

The 34-year-old Team Ineos leader fractured his right femur, ribs and elbow.

“Even though we all recognise the risks involved in our sport, it’s always traumatic when a rider crashes and sustains serious injuries,” said team principal David Brailsford.

“Chris had worked incredibly hard to get in fantastic shape and was on track for the Tour (de France), which unfortunately he will now miss.”

Froome was eighth overall in the Criterium after three stages of the eight-day race.

 

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