Froome‘s racing Future in Doubt Amidst Heart Issue Revelation and Contract Uncertainty
WARSAW, Poland – Chris Froome’s future in professional cycling is under renewed scrutiny following revelations of a previously undisclosed life-threatening heart injury sustained during his devastating 2019 crash, coupled with the impending expiration of his contract with Israel-Premier Tech (IPT). The four-time Tour de France winner, 38, acknowledged last month the possibility of retirement, and recent developments suggest his continued racing career is increasingly uncertain.
The heart issue,a pulmonary embolism triggered by deep vein thrombosis following the 2019 Critérium du Dauphiné crash,was far more severe than initially reported and required extensive recovery.This, combined with his current form – finishing 30 minutes down on General Classification (GC) at the Tour of Poland in August – has led to questions about his ability to compete at the highest level. “My contract is expiring and I don’t know if I’ll continue or not,” Froome told Bikes.
The timing of this uncertainty coincides with significant changes within IPT. Team owner Sylvan Adams may be hesitant to renew Froome’s contract given his diminished results, possibly freeing up a substantial portion of the team’s payroll. While Froome likely isn’t earning the €4.5 million he previously commanded, releasing him woudl provide welcome budget flexibility as IPT faces a team reboot in 2026 with the retirements of michael Woods and Jakob Fuglsang, and Derek Gee seeking an early exit from his contract.
Beyond the team’s financial considerations, Froome’s personal life may also be influencing his decision. He and his wife have two young children,and he will turn 41 in May of next year. He has also expressed a strong desire to transition to a new role within cycling, stating his ambition to “open a cycling school in Africa” to develop young riders. “My real goal is to develop a great project that I am convinced will bring interesting new riders,” he said from the Tour of Poland.
IPT is also navigating external pressures, including increasing protests from pro-Palestinian activists, adding to the complexities facing the team as it plans for the future. The convergence of these factors – Froome’s health, contract status, team dynamics, and personal aspirations – casts a significant shadow over his continued participation in professional cycling.