After facing a hernia that disrupted his plans to end his cycling career in Montreal last year, Michael Woods is making a surprising comeback. Cycling Canada recently revealed that Woods, 39, will be coming out of retirement to represent the national team at the upcoming road cycling world championships in Montreal. Woods expressed that the significance of the event being in Montreal compelled him to make this decision, despite initially believing his cycling career had concluded prematurely.
Originally from Ottawa and now residing in Andorra and Chelsea, Que., Woods will participate in the Grand Prix Cycliste events in Quebec City and Montreal this weekend as part of his preparation for the UCI World Tour’s flagship race on September 27. This turn of events marks a stark contrast to a year ago when Woods left the sport feeling disheartened and fatigued.
Following his retirement, Woods engaged in a series of bucket-list races that reignited his passion for cycling, including gravel biking, mountain biking, and ski mountaineering. The experience not only rejuvenated his love for the sport but also kept him in shape for the challenge ahead. Encouraged by a strong performance at the Canadian national road race in June, Woods decided to pursue his return to competitive cycling at the Montreal world championships.
Reflecting on his journey, Woods acknowledged the nervousness surrounding his comeback, recognizing the demanding nature of the races he is about to undertake. Despite the challenges ahead, the allure of completing his cycling career in Montreal, where it all began, proved irresistible to Woods.
Having started his professional cycling career in 2013 with Garneau-Quebecor, Woods has achieved notable successes, including a stage victory in the Tour de France in 2023 and three stage wins in the Spanish Vuelta. His return to the sport for the world championships in Montreal comes full circle, symbolizing a homecoming he thought he had missed out on.
Looking ahead, Woods remains unsure of his future plans post-world championships but affirms his enduring love for cycling and competition. While a return to professional road cycling is off the table, he envisions a continued involvement in various forms of racing, ensuring that his passion for the sport will endure for years to come.