Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome has been airlifted to hospital after suffering multiple injuries after a training crash in southern France.

The 40-year-old was taken to hospital on Wednesday afternoon by helicopter following a crash near Toulon, around 105 miles (170 km) from his home in Monaco.

Froome will have back surgery later on Wednesday after suffering a lumbar vertebrae fracture, as well as five broken ribs.

However, his condition is “stable” and he did not sustain any head injuries, according to his team Israel-Premier Tech.

French newspaper L’Equipe reported that Froome was conscious on arrival and was able to speak to medical staff.