PUERTO DE ANCARES, SPAIN - AUGUST 30: Michael Woods of Canada and Team Israel - Premier Tech celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the La Vuelta - 79th Tour of Spain 2024 - Stage 13 a 176km stage from Lugo to Puerto de Ancares 1659m / #UCIWT / on August 30, 2024 in Puerto de Ancares, Spain. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)
Canadian cyclist Michael Woods has announced his retirement from professional road cycling, effective at the end of the 2025 season. After 12 years in the sport, Woods cited the dangers, suffering, and sacrifices associated with the demanding life of a cyclist as the primary reasons for his decision. In a statement released through his team, Israel-Premier Tech, he expressed a sense of pride in his journey, noting, “As they say, though, all good things must come to an end.”
While Woods plans to retire from road cycling, he hinted at future ambitions in different endurance sports, saying, “I still have big ambitions and plans for the coming years that will involve exploring new arenas in endurance sports.” He urged fans to stay tuned for what he described as “epic plans” ahead.
Woods’ retirement announcement comes as he prepares for an emotional farewell in the closing months of the 2025 season. His upcoming races include the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, followed potentially by the World Championships and some final competitions in Europe.
Reflecting on his career, Woods has been candid about the physical toll of professional cycling. In a blog post during this year’s Tour de France, he opened up about the inherent risks and the significant demands of the sport. At 38, he has sustained various injuries over the years, including a fractured collarbone in March 2023. He also faced health challenges, having to withdraw from the Tour de Suisse due to a lung infection while striving to regain his form for the Tour.
Woods articulated the conflicting nature of his career and personal life, particularly as a father. “Being a father, in particular, has shown me how at odds being one of the best riders in the world is with being a good dad,” he shared. His commitment to training has often meant sacrificing family time, as he avoided contact with his children to prevent illness before races. “Every aspect of my life has been examined to maximize my ability to ride a bike,” he stated.
From Runner to Cyclist
Before embarking on his cycling career, Woods was a world-class runner, only taking up cycling at the age of 25. His late entry did not hinder his ascent through the ranks, as he quickly joined the Cannondale WorldTour team in 2016. Over his career, he achieved remarkable success, including 16 race victories, with notable wins at the Vuelta a España in 2018, 2020, and 2024, as well as a stage win at the 2023 Tour de France.
His aggressive racing style made him a formidable competitor in hilly Classics, where he secured second place at the 2018 Liège–Bastogne–Liège and third at the 2018 World Championships held in Innsbruck, Austria. In the summer of 2024, he became the Canadian national champion, a title he proudly claimed.
Woods reflected on his journey, stating, “I thought, ‘I was once one of the best runners in the world—why can’t I be one of the best cyclists in the world?'” His determination led him to achieve a bronze medal at the World Championships and a stage victory at the world’s largest cycling event. “Considering I started this sport at 25 years old, on a $1,000 bike gifted to me by my parents, knowing nothing about it, is insane,” he noted.
Gratitude and Future Plans
As he prepares for retirement, Woods expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career. He thanked his wife, long-time coach Paulo Saldanha, the Ottawa cycling community, team manager Jonathan Vaughters, and many others who contributed to his journey. “There was a time in my life when I would lie in bed at night, staring up at the ceiling, thinking, ‘What have I done? Where did I go wrong?'” he recounted.
Woods’ heartfelt message of appreciation extended to everyone who encouraged him along the way, from simple messages of support to those who believed in his Olympic aspirations. “To all the people who have helped me along the way,” he concluded, “I want to say thank you. Thank you for it all.”
As the cycling world prepares to bid farewell to a remarkable athlete, Woods’ legacy as a passionate competitor and dedicated family man will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
