Chris Froome (Israel-Premier Tech), a four-time winner of the Tour de France, has tested positive for COVID-19 and has left this year’s race ahead of stage – a decisive mountain stage finishing on the Hautacam.
Froome made the announcement on Twitter (opens in new tab) just as today’s stage of the race was beginning.
“Unfortunately I have some pretty disappointing news to share with you this morning,” he said in a video message. “A test has shown that I’ve contracted Covid, so I’m not going to be making the start today.
“I’m really disappointed not to be able to roll into Paris and finish this Tour de France. It’s been an extremely special race for us as a team, and for me personally as well.
“I’ve really been finding my legs again and I’d really like to thank everyone for your support through this process.”
Froome has struggled with his recovery ever since his severe crash in 2019, however he had shown signs of his old self when he took a heroic third place on stage 12 of the 2022 race this year.
“I gave it everything I had today and I don’t have any regrets,” Froome said after stage 12.
“Where I’ve come from in the last three years, to finish third on one of the hardest stages of the Tour, I can be really happy with that.”
After a strong Tour de France for Israel-Premier Tech, with two stage wins in the race, stage 18 would have been a major target for Chris Froome to make his final mark on the race.
It comes after Damiano Caruso from Bahrain Victorious and Imanol Erviti from Movistar both also left the Tour ahead of stage 18 with positive COVID-19 tests.
Froome concluded his message by explaining he would go home and refocus on the Vuelta a Espana in August.
Unfortunately I won’t be taking the start today due to covid-19 😔 #TDF2022 pic.twitter.com/RJziNXG52dJuly 21, 2022
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