Michael Woods

Michael Russell Woods was born on October 12, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in Ottawa, where he showed a keen interest in sports from a young age. Woods excelled in athletics, particularly in middle-distance track events, setting national records in the 1500 meters. Despite suffering injuries that halted his track career, Woods transitioned to cycling, where he found significant success as a professional rider.

After persistent injuries derailed his aspirations in track and field, Michael Woods shifted his focus to cycling in 2013. His decision to move into professional cycling marked the beginning of a new chapter. Woods quickly made a name for himself in the cycling world, joining local amateur teams and quickly progressing to become a professional cyclist, with his climbing abilities becoming evident.

In 2015, Michael Woods signed with Cannondale-Garmin, marking his entry into WorldTour cycling. This was a significant step in his professional career, as it placed him on one of the highest competitive platforms in the sport. During his time with Cannondale-Garmin, Woods demonstrated his prowess as a climber, helping the team achieve impressive results in various international races.

Michael Woods claimed his first Grand Tour podium during the 2017 Vuelta a España. On one of the race's most challenging stages, Woods showcased his climbing talents by finishing third on the stage that concluded on the fearsome Alto de l'Angliru. This performance propelled him into the spotlight and highlighted his potential as a threat in stage races and hilly classics.

On September 12, 2018, Michael Woods won the prestigious GP Montreal. Demonstrating superb tactics and a strong finishing kick, Woods outpaced his rivals on the uphill finish to secure one of the biggest victories of his career. The win cemented his status as a top contender in single-day races and hillier classics on the World Tour circuit.

In 2019, Michael Woods achieved a landmark result in his cycling career by winning the bronze medal at the UCI Road World Championships. Competing against the world's best cyclists, Woods navigated the grueling course and intense competition to secure a spot on the podium. This performance underscored his capabilities on the world stage and elevated his reputation globally.

During stage 3 of the 2020 Tour de la Provence, Michael Woods suffered a broken femur due to a crash. This injury was a setback in his career, as he was forced to withdraw from the remainder of the race and missed several key competitions that season. Despite this challenge, Woods demonstrated resilience in his recovery and returned to competitive racing later in the year.

Michael Woods joined the Israel Start-Up Nation cycling team in 2021. This move marked a new chapter in his professional journey, as he took on a leadership role within the team. Woods aimed to build on his previous successes and target more victories in stage races while also using his experience to mentor younger riders within the squad.

In June 2022, Michael Woods won the overall classification at the Route d'Occitanie in France. His performance across the four stages, particularly in the mountainous routes, showcased his climbing strength and strategic racing. This victory was a significant highlight of Woods' season and reaffirmed his status as a formidable competitor in stage races.

Michael Woods secured a stage victory during the 2023 Tour de France, winning on one of the challenging mountain stages. His attacking style and ability to conquer steep gradients were on full display, earning him a memorable win. This accomplishment further solidified his reputation as a top climber and showcased his determination on cycling's grandest stage.