CHRIS FROOME has broken his silence after his horror crash that tore his heart open.
The cycling legend was airlifted to hospital in the south of France last week.
X @chrisfroomeChris Froome has walked out of hospital[/caption]
AlamyHe suffered a horror crash last week in the South of France[/caption]
GettyFroome won the Tour de France four times[/caption]
Froome, 40, had to undergo surgery as he suffered a collapsed lung, four broken ribs and a fractured bone in his back.
The crash also caused a pericardial rupture – a tear to the sac that surrounds the heart.
The four-time Tour de France winner has now issued his first statement himself since the life-threatening moment.
Froome shared a snap of himself walking out of hospital holding the hand of his daughter Katie, 7.
He wrote: “Relieved to be heading home from the hospital today.
“Thanks to the staff at the HIA Sainte Anne.”
Froome was treated at the Sainte Anne Toulon military hospital after the 30+mph collision.
The facility is the highest-level trauma centre in the region.
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Fans were thrilled to see Froome walking out of hospital as they reacted on social media.
One posted: “Take time with the family and heal up. Glad to see you walking out of there.”
A second commented: “Such good news, Chris! Family time that I’m sure Michelle & the kids will appreciate. Heal well, champ.”
A third wrote: “Great to see you upright after all that! Here’s to a full and speedy recovery, sir!”
A fourth said: “Take care legend!”
Another added: “So good to hear you can leave the hospital. You’ve given so much to this sport.”
Chris Froome’s cycling career
Chris Froome has enjoyed a very successful cycling career…
Grand Tours
Tour de France
General classification wins: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017
Mountains classification win: 2015
Individual stage wins: 7 (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016)
Giro d’Italia
General classification win: 2018
Mountains classification win: 2018
Individual stage wins: 2 (2018)
Vuelta a España
General classification wins: 2011, 2017
Points classification win: 2017
Combination classification wins: 2011, 2017
Individual stage wins: 5 (2011, 2016, 2017)
Team time trial (TTT) stage win: 2016
Stage Races
Critérium du Dauphiné: 2013, 2015, 2016
Tour de Romandie: 2013, 2014
Critérium International: 2013
Tour of Oman: 2013, 2014
Vuelta a Andalucía: 2015
Other Achievements
Vélo d’Or: 2013, 2015, 2017
Froome has been married to his wife Michelle since 2014 and they have two children together, Katie and Kellan, 9.
Michelle has also thanked the staff at the hospital and insisted that Froome will not be pedelling anyway soon.
She told The Times: “It was obviously a lot more serious than some broken bones.
“He’s fine but it’s going to be a long recovery process.
AFPHe has been married to his wife Michelle since 2014[/caption]
Rex FeaturesThey have two children together[/caption]
“He won’t be riding a bike for a while.
“Chris is happy for you to share this because people need to understand what is going on.”
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