Michael Woods, the Canadian cyclist renowned for his tenacity and competitive spirit, has announced his retirement from professional road cycling at the end of the 2025 season. After twelve years of dedication to the sport, Woods cited the physical toll and sacrifices required in elite cycling as pivotal factors in his decision.
In a statement released through his team, Israel-Premier Tech, Woods acknowledged the emotional weight of this moment. “As they say, though, all good things must come to an end,” he remarked, hinting at a shift towards new challenges in endurance sports. “I still have big ambitions and plans for the coming years that will involve exploring new arenas in endurance sports,” he said, urging fans to stay tuned for future developments.
Woods plans to conclude his cycling career with an emotional farewell during the final months of the 2025 season. His schedule includes participation in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, with potential appearances at the World Championships and additional European races.
Reflecting on his experiences, Woods has been candid about the dangers of professional cycling. He detailed the physical and mental strains he has faced through a blog during this year’s Tour de France. At 38 years old, he has experienced significant injuries, including a fractured collarbone in March 2023 and a lung infection that forced him to withdraw from the Tour de Suisse.
“While I have been fortunate to pursue this career, it comes with numerous downsides,” Woods explained. He emphasized the sacrifices he made, particularly regarding his family life. “Being a father has shown me how at odds being one of the best riders in the world is with being a good dad,” he noted, illustrating the challenges of balancing professional demands with parental responsibilities.
Over the past five years, Woods has avoided physical contact with his children to minimize illness before races, a practice he described as strange. “Every aspect of my life has been examined and studied to maximize my ability to ride a bike,” he said, acknowledging the intense focus required to excel in the sport.
Woods transitioned into cycling later than many of his peers, beginning his racing career at the age of 25 after a successful run as a world-class runner. He quickly adapted to the sport and joined the Cannondale WorldTour team in 2016. Throughout his career, he has secured 16 race victories, including stages at the Vuelta a España in 2018, 2020, and 2024, as well as a stage win at the 2023 Tour de France.
His competitive spirit has shone in numerous Classics, with notable finishes including second place at the 2018 Liège–Bastogne–Liège and a bronze medal at the World Championships in Innsbruck, Austria, that same year. In the summer of 2024, he proudly claimed the title of Canadian national champion.
“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?'” Woods recounted, reflecting on his journey. His commitment and focus have propelled him to impressive achievements, a testament to his resilience in a sport that is often unforgiving.
Woods expressed deep gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career, including his wife, long-time coach Paulo Saldanha, team manager Jonathan Vaughters, and the cycling community in Ottawa. “There was a time when I lay in bed at night, wondering what I had done and where I had gone wrong,” he shared. “To go from that place to where I am today, I feel eternally grateful.”
As Michael Woods prepares for his final races, his journey serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the dedication and sacrifices inherent in pursuing excellence in sports.
