Chris Froome out of Tour de France

Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome has been ruled out of next month's race following a crash during a training run for the fourth stage of the Criterium du Dauphine between France and Switzerland.

Chris Froome had been seeking a fifth Tour de France title. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

"It's clear he'll take no part in the Tour de France," said Ineos team leader Dave Brailsford. "He is in a very, very serious condition.

Froome, 34, went down during windy conditions preparing for the time trail in Roanne. He was treated at the scene in an ambulance before being airlfited to hospital.

the Tour de France starts in Brussels on 6 July.