Cyclist Michael Woods’ dream of racing in Montreal was derailed by a hernia last year, just before his planned Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal swansong. However, he has now decided to come out of retirement to compete at the upcoming road cycling world championships in Montreal, as announced by Cycling Canada. Woods, 39, expressed his deep connection to Montreal and the significance of this opportunity, emphasizing that this will be his final competition. Hailing from Ottawa and currently residing in Andorra and Chelsea, Que., Woods will also participate in the Grand Prix Cycliste events in Quebec City and Montreal as preparation for the UCI World Tour race on Sept. 27.
After a disappointing end to his cycling career due to injuries and disillusionment, Woods took a break and explored different racing disciplines like gravel biking, mountain biking, and ski mountaineering. These experiences reignited his passion for competition and led him to consider returning to professional cycling. Encouraged by a strong performance at the Canadian national road race, Woods decided to make a comeback and tackle the challenging races in Montreal, despite his initial apprehensions about the demanding nature of the events.
Reflecting on his journey, Woods recalled his humble beginnings in Montreal, where he started bike racing and signed his first pro contract in 2013. His career highlights include a Tour de France stage victory in 2023 and multiple stage wins at the Spanish Vuelta. A mural along the world championships route now celebrates his achievements, replacing the original artwork that honored another cyclist. Despite the controversies, Woods remains focused on savoring his return to Montreal and the racing opportunities ahead.
Looking beyond the world championships, Woods expressed his enduring love for cycling and competition, indicating that he will continue to pursue racing in various forms in the future. While a return to professional road cycling is unlikely, Woods remains committed to staying active in sports and maintaining his passion for cycling and running.
