Chris Froome out of Vuelta a España after fracturing foot
Foot injury sustained after a crash on stage 11 of Vuelta a España rules out Chris Froome from continuing in the race
Chris Froome has will not start today's stage of the Vuelta a España after fracturing a bone in his foot as a result of a crash early on during Wednesday's stage 11.
Froome crashed into a barrier at the start of the day's brutal mountain stage, and was forced to chase back to the peloton. Although he continued during the stage he was visibly struggling, dropping out of the lead group and losing over seven minutes to his overall rivals.
The 30-year-old announced via Twitter on Thursday morning that he would not continue in the race, saying "Scans this morning confirm fractured navicular. End of the Vuelta for me."
The Tour de France champion could barely walk as he was helped off his bike at the finish line in Cortals d'Encamp, and was taken to hospital for x-rays to determine the extent of his injuries.
"Knocked sideways into a barrier and stone wall today. Further scans in the morning but start unlikely as I can’t walk without crutches," Froome said via Twitter on Wednesday evening.
"Really appreciate all the messages of support, I did my best to hang in there today as best I could with the hope of continuing."
Team Sky's doctor Inigo Sarriegui said: "After the stage we did some examinations which revealed he was very tender on his right foot around the navicular area. He had an x-ray which didn't show up a fracture, but because he still couldn't weight-bear we proceeded onto an MRI this morning which confirmed there was a fracture.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"Chris will go home today and the next step will be to get a specialist opinion on further treatment."
Watch: Vuelta a Espana 2015 essential guide
Froome was in 15th place overall, seven minutes and 30 seconds behind overall leader Fabio Aru (Astana) with 10 stages remaining.
Team Sky's highest-placed rider overall is now Spaniard Mikel Nieve, who sits in eighth place overall, one minute and 58 seconds behind Aru.
More to follow.
Thank you for reading 20 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
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
My 200-mile Welsh adventure left me crying in a convenience store - but I'd do it again
Looking for a challenging two-day tour, Steve Shrubsall heads to the wild Pembrokeshire coast of Wales (UK) – and gets exactly what he wished for…
By Stephen Shrubsall Published
-
Cranks that whiz at high speed are not a desirable feature, they’re just an invitation for crud to get into the bearings
CW’s Undercover Mechanic turns his attention to the murky world of bottom bracket ‘optimisations’
By Undercover Mechanic Published
-
'With a few changes, it'll be class' - Josh Tarling optimistic about Ineos Grenadiers future
'Everybody wants to get better and get back to winning,' 20-year-old tells audience at Rouleur Live
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We've had a difficult year, I've had a difficult year' - Tom Pidcock hints at Ineos Grenadiers tension
Speaking at Rouleur Live, the 25-year-old also revealed that he hasn't enjoyed racing at the last two Tours de France
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers to partner with German development team for 2025
Ineos set to partner with German Continental squad Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank as an official development partner
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Where next for Ineos Grenadiers, now Steve Cummings has officially left?
After the Director of Racing's exit, the Tom Pidcock saga needs a final resolution before the team can move forward
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos' Director of Racing, Steve Cummings, confirms he is leaving the team after not attending a race since June
Announcement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding Cummings' position
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I never thought I'd really leave the team': Luke Rowe opens up on his reasons for departing Ineos Grenadiers
Welsh road captain is heading to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale to become a sports director
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers announce 'highly motivated, hungry and ambitious' new performance structure for 2025
New sports directors, lead performance coach and head of performance support announced, among other changes
By Adam Becket Published
-
'I can help get the team back to where it was' - 20-year-old Artem Shmidt looks to the future after Ineos Grenadiers' disappointing season
Shmidt hoping to help revitalise team backed by Jim Ratcliffe after season of woes and as star rider Tom Pidcock gets set to move on
By Tom Thewlis Published