Chris Froome is out of the Criterium du Dauphine after he was injured in a crash just three weeks before the Tour de France gets under way.

Six-time Grand Tour champion Froome was eighth in the one-week race, which started on Sunday, but was injured in a recon ride ahead of stage four on Wednesday.

Team INEOS revealed that the Brit was on his way to a local hospital following the accident prior to a time-trial in Roanne.

"Team INEOS can confirm that Chris Froome crashed during a recon of stage four of the Criterium du Dauphine today." the team stated.

"He is currently on his way to a local hospital and won't start today's fourth stage. We will provide a further update in due course."

Froome skipped the Giro d'Italia to give himself the best possible chance of winning a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title.

The Tour Grand Depart will be staged in Brussels on Saturday July 6.