Four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome has announced his retirement from professional cycling at the age of 41 following a life-threatening training crash.
The British rider has not competed since colliding with a road sign at more than 30mph in the south of France during August 2025.
Speaking to Belgian broadcaster Sporza, the seven-time Grand Tour winner conceded that his glittering career had reached a premature conclusion.
“Unfortunately, there was that crash last summer, that was not the way I wanted it to end. But even then, I knew it was over.”
Severe injuries force early exit
His wife, Michelle, recently revealed the full extent of the injuries sustained in the devastating summer collision.
The veteran cyclist required surgery to repair a fractured vertebra, a collapsed lung, five broken ribs and a ruptured pericardium caused by blunt chest trauma.
“It was obviously a lot more serious than some broken bones. He’s fine, but it’s going to be a long recovery process.”
Speaking to The Times, Michelle noted that her husband was content for his lengthy medical struggles to be made public.
“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.”
A legacy among cycling greats
The former Team Sky talisman walks away from the sport as one of its most decorated and recognisable competitors.
He secured four yellow jerseys between 2013 and 2017, while also capturing two Vuelta a Espana crowns and the 2018 Giro d’Italia.
Only legendary riders Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain boast more Tour victories than the 41-year-old.
The Israel-Premier Tech rider was in the final months of a five-year contract and had already hinted that 2025 could be his last season in the peloton.
Battles with adversity
The twilight of his career was heavily disrupted by severe misfortune and physical setbacks on the road.
He never fully regained his peak form after suffering a horrific crash at the 2019 Criterium du Dauphine that left him in intensive care with multiple fractures.
Despite claiming his last professional victory at the 2018 Giro, he valiantly continued to race at the highest level of the sport.
A collarbone break at the UAE Tour in February 2025 ultimately preceded his career-ending accident just six months later.
A Florida judge has granted prosecutors permission to review Tiger Woods’ medical records following his vehicle crash and subsequent arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence in March.
Judge Darren Steele approved an agreement allowing the state to request documents from the Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital, where the 15-time major champion was treated.
The case is currently being tried in Martin County circuit court, situated just north of Palm Beach County.
Prescription history access granted
This latest ruling follows a similar agreement approved in May regarding the legendary golfer’s pharmacy history.
Prosecutors can now access all prescription medication records from a Palm Beach pharmacy dating from the start of the year through to the end of March.
A protective order has been placed on both the hospital and prescription records at the request of defence attorney Doug Duncan.
This strict limitation ensures the sensitive documents are only released to prosecutors, law enforcement officers, state experts, and the defence team.
Details of the March crash
The American golf icon has formally pleaded not guilty to the charge of driving under the influence.
According to a sheriff’s office report, deputies discovered two pain pills in his pocket after his speeding SUV clipped a truck’s trailer and rolled onto its side.
The incident occurred on a residential road on Jupiter Island, where the former world number one was travelling well above the 30mph speed limit.
While a breathalyser test showed no traces of alcohol in his system, authorities noted he displayed signs of impairment and subsequently refused a urine test.
Return to the public eye
Court records indicate the prominent athlete recently travelled outside of the United States to seek care at an inpatient treatment facility.
He made his first public appearance since the arrest at the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship in Connecticut last week.
During the event, the former Masters champion introduced chief executive Brian Rolapp to announce changes to the tour’s future competitive model.
Former Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Graham Bradley has died in France at the age of 65 following a diagnosis of dementia.
During a colourful 22-year career in the saddle, the celebrated rider secured more than 700 victories across the sport.
His crowning achievement arrived aboard Bregawn in 1983 during one of the most famous races in National Hunt history.
That memorable afternoon saw trainer Michael Dickinson achieve the unprecedented feat of saddling the first five horses home.
A historic triumph at Cheltenham
Starting as the 100-30 favourite in an 11-runner field, the partnership utilised astute front-running tactics to secure a comfortable five-length victory.
They successfully fended off Captain John over the final two fences, with Wayward Lad, Silver Buck, and Ashley House completing the legendary top five.
Speaking to the media three years ago, the former jockey reflected fondly on his most famous afternoon in Gloucestershire.
“I did end up making most of the running after a couple of furlongs and I gave him an absolutely brilliant ride and won the race,” he recalled.
“I never thought Michael would train the first five, it was an absolute miracle.”
Further festival success
Beyond his Gold Cup heroics, the accomplished horseman tasted further Cheltenham Festival glory by winning the 1996 Champion Hurdle on Collier Bay.
He also holds an enduring jockey record of four victories in the prestigious Grand Annual Chase.
Other notable achievements included winning the King George VI Chase on Wayward Lad and finishing second in the 1998 Grand National aboard Suny Bay.
Following his retirement in 1999, he transitioned into a bloodstock agent role, representing high-profile clients including former footballers Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler.
A complex legacy
Despite his immense talent, the popular rider endured a controversial chapter after being handed a five-year ban from the sport.
Authorities found him guilty of passing on inside information for financial reward, a scandal previously highlighted by a BBC Panorama investigation.
In his later years, he relocated to France where he managed his declining health.
Close friend and fellow Grand National-winning jockey Brendan Powell led the tributes following the tragic news.
“He was one of the best riders I ever rode with,” Powell said.
“As his book said he could be a ‘Wayward Lad’ but he was also a very kind man with a great side to him, and he’s at peace now.”
Retired jockey Frankie Dettori has been hospitalised with multiple broken ribs and a broken thumb after his car flipped during a collision in Newmarket on Wednesday evening.
The 55-year-old was travelling through the Suffolk town when another vehicle struck the rear passenger side of his car.
This impact caused the vehicle to spin out of control and overturn in the road.
Emergency services attended the scene before transporting the Italian racing icon to a local hospital for urgent treatment.
Observation and ongoing assessment
The former champion rider remains under medical supervision while his injuries are further evaluated through scans.
A statement from his representatives at H Talent Management confirmed the details of the 1 July incident.
Another vehicle struck the rear passenger side of the car Frankie was driving, causing it to spin and flip.
Frankie was taken to hospital, where he was found to have sustained several broken ribs and a broken thumb.
Focus shifts to recovery
Dettori is widely regarded as one of the most successful figures in the history of flat racing.
The legendary sportsman officially retired from British racing last year before relocating to compete in the United States.
His management team relayed gratitude on his behalf to the medical staff and emergency responders who assisted him following the frightening crash.
His focus is now on resting and recovering.
The agency concluded by requesting privacy for the injured rider and stated that no further comments will be issued until a meaningful update is available.
Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs has clocked the third-fastest 100m time in history with a wind-assisted 9.67 seconds at a track meet in Eisenstadt, Austria.
The Italian sprinter showcased his blistering pace to comfortably pull away from a highly competitive field.
However, the staggering mark will not be recognised in official athletics record books.
Officials recorded a massive tailwind of +4.1 metres per second during the race.
This measurement is more than double the allowable limit of +2.0 m/s required for record-eligible sprint times.
Fierce competition and rapid times
The exceptional tailwind resulted in remarkably swift performances across the entire sprinting group.
Great Britain’s Romell Glave crossed the finish line in a blistering 9.76 seconds.
This unofficial time was significantly faster than the personal best the British athlete set at the UK Athletics Championships last month.
South African 400m specialist Wayde van Niekerk also capitalised on the conditions to register a time of 9.83 seconds.
Chasing the Jamaican great
Only legendary sprinter Usain Bolt has ever legally run faster than the time recorded by the 31-year-old in Austria.
The Jamaican icon established the current world record of 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.
Bolt currently holds the three quickest legal times in the history of the sport.
American Tyson Gay and fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake are the only other men to have matched his third-best mark of 9.69 seconds.
A return to form for the Olympic champion
This swift run offers a massive confidence boost for the Tokyo 2020 gold medallist.
The European star has endured a turbulent five years battling inconsistent form and persistent injuries.
These fitness struggles previously culminated in a disappointing failure to reach the 100m final at last year’s World Championships.
Charlie Dean has successfully steered England into the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals as a calm stand-in captain following Nat Sciver-Brunt’s calf injury.
From Lord’s Heartbreak to World Cup Leadership
One dramatic afternoon at Lord’s could have permanently defined the 25-year-old’s international career.
The off-spinner was left in tears after being controversially run out at the non-striker’s end by India’s Deepti Sharma during a 2022 one-day international.
However, the resilient bowler has since embraced the infamous incident, even hanging a framed picture of the dismissal on her living room wall.
“It was raw for her at the start but meant she could have a laugh about it,” said housemate and former Southern Vipers team-mate Emily Windsor.
Stepping Up on the Global Stage
That painful day is no longer the defining moment of the young cricketer’s impressive career.
Following a calf injury to regular skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt, the tactical mastermind was unexpectedly thrust into the high-pressure leadership role.
Despite having never captained her country before May, she has seamlessly guided the national squad into Thursday’s crucial semi-final clash.
“Her energy’s infectious within our group and she’s really led from the front in that sense,” noted England all-rounder Alice Capsey.
“She’s been such a great captain and everyone feels so calm under Charlie,” added star spinner Sophie Ecclestone.
The ‘Silent Badger’ Behind the Calm Exterior
On the field, the stand-in captain’s tenure has been widely praised for an unwavering sense of serenity amidst the heat of tournament cricket.
“I like to feel calm and in control,” the Midlands-born star admitted.
“I guess I’m not hugely expressive.”
Yet those closest to her know that a cheeky personality bubbles just beneath that famously stoic exterior.
Windsor revealed that the pair often spend hours attempting trick shots on a miniature lounge basketball hoop, celebrating wildly like idiots.
This deep-rooted passion for sport began at Havant Cricket Club in Hampshire, heavily influenced by her father Steven’s successful Minor Counties career.
Now, this self-confessed silent cricket obsessive is hoping her quiet confidence can deliver ultimate global glory for England.
The Wales rugby squad have successfully resolved a dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union over match fees just three days before their Nations Championship opener against Fiji.
Steve Tandy’s side will host the Pacific Islanders at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The build-up to the crucial summer Test was heavily disrupted by ongoing employment issues.
Players even opted out of a scheduled media appearance on Wednesday following a lengthy delay.
Last-minute agreement secured
Talks between the national governing body and the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association continued deep into Wednesday.
An agreement regarding the employment terms was finally struck shortly before 17:00 BST.
Following the vital breakthrough, both organisations released a joint statement to reassure supporters.
“These negotiations have now been concluded to the satisfaction of all parties.”
“Training preparations for the upcoming match against Fiji at the Cardiff City Stadium have not been affected.”
“Everyone involved is looking forward to a positive result on Saturday and a successful campaign.”
A history of off-field turbulence
While the current training schedule remained intact, this is yet another distracting saga for the national team.
The squad narrowly avoided strike action on the eve of a major home fixture against England during the 2023 Six Nations.
Tandy’s tenure has also been consistently clouded by the looming threat of domestic restructuring.
The governing body currently intends to reduce the number of men’s professional regional sides from four to three by 2028.
Focus shifts to summer campaign
The head coach recently trimmed his travelling party down to 33 players for the upcoming international window.
Following the clash in the Welsh capital, the squad face daunting away trips to Argentina and South Africa.
They head into these challenging fixtures buoyed by a recent victory over the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium.
The official starting lineup will be confirmed on Thursday morning when standard media duties resume.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has demanded the resignations of head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key following a dismal run of Test results and Ben Stokes’ retirement.
Stokes ended his international career on Sunday after a bruising 160-run defeat to New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
That series loss extended a torrid period for the national side, who have registered just two victories in their past 10 red-ball matches.
‘Enough is enough’ for struggling squad
The 2005 Ashes-winning skipper insists drastic changes are required to halt the current slide.
Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, the 50-year-old expressed deep frustration at the team’s recent trajectory.
“When you’ve got the opposition in your own back yard laughing at you, enough is enough. We need to move on.”
He added that while the current head coach is well-liked, his tactical acumen is falling short at the highest level.
“I think Baz McCullum is a great guy but he’s not a great coach and for England we should be aiming to be the number one team in the world and at the minute we are ranked seventh.”
Questions raised over leadership hierarchy
The current world number seven side have endured a miserable 12 months, suffering heavy defeats to Australia and New Zealand alongside a home draw against India.
This poor form has turned the spotlight onto the man who appointed the New Zealander back in May 2022.
Managing director Key initially hired McCullum solely for the Test arena before expanding his remit across all three formats earlier this year.
“You’ve got to say that Rob Key’s job is on the line. It has to be on the line. It wouldn’t surprise me if Rob Key goes.”
Scrutiny over isolated victories
The former opening batter was particularly scathing about the nature of the team’s only recent successes.
He pointed out that the two recent wins came under highly specific conditions at Lord’s and the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“We’ve won two games in 10 matches, and those two wins have come at Lord’s on a cesspit and the MCG which was a two-dayer, so the only two games that we’ve won have been on farmers’ fields. That can’t be right.”
With external criticism mounting and a legendary all-rounder now departed, English cricket faces a crucial period of introspection.