Chris Froome was rushed to hospital by helicopter after being hit by a driver during a training session in France.

According to L'Equipe , the four-time Tour de France winner was training in Saint-Raphaël , in the Var region of southern France, not far from his residence in Monaco, when the accident occurred.

Froome , who is in the fifth year of his contract with Team Israel-Premier Tech, has reportedly suffered injuries described as "serious." The 40-year-old is stable and has not suffered any head injuries, but tests revealed a pneumothorax, five broken ribs, and a fractured lumbar vertebra, for which he will undergo surgery this afternoon. The rider remains conscious and able to communicate with those around him.

The British champion's last competitive appearance was at this month's Tour de Pologne, where he finished 68th overall.

Updates on the runner's situation will follow in the next few hours.

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency