Former cyclist Romain Bardet hospitalized after serious fall on Mont Ventoux

Former professional cyclist Romain Bardet has been hospitalized following a serious fall during a family outing on the iconic Mont Ventoux. The 35-year-old Frenchman shared details of the accident on social media, describing the descent on gravel roads as "less glorious" than the ascent with his family.

Bardet, who retired from professional road cycling last year, expressed gratitude to the rescue teams involved in his care. He indicated that he faces "a few weeks of convalescence" and urged others to "always be careful on the roads as well as on the paths."

While Bardet did not provide specific details about the extent of his injuries, accompanying photos on his Instagram post showed his left arm in a sling and multiple abrasions on his face. Despite the setback, there is hope that he will recover sufficiently to participate in the European Gravel Championship, scheduled for August 30 in Houffalize, Belgium, for which he had recently been selected to the French national team.

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Ventoux, the family ride was memorable, the descent on gravel less glorious. A big thank you to the rescue teams. Now it's time for a few weeks of convalescence. Always be careful on the roads as well as on the paths. See you soon.