Canadian cyclist Michael Woods, known for his exceptional athletic achievements including running a sub-four-minute mile and competing in the Tour de France, revealed his decision to retire from professional cycling at the conclusion of the current season. Making the announcement through a blog post on Monday, the 38-year-old expressed the physical and emotional toll that 11 years of professional cycling had taken on his well-being and family life, prompting his retirement.
In his heartfelt post, Woods reflected on the prolonged periods of separation from his family and the sacrifices made to prioritize his cycling career, such as refraining from physical contact with his children to prevent illness before races. Emphasizing the exhaustive dedication required to excel in cycling, Woods acknowledged his love for the sport but recognized the limitations of sustaining such a demanding lifestyle indefinitely.
Woods commenced his professional cycling journey with Team Garneau-Quebecor in 2013 following a foot injury that ended his track and field aspirations. Over the past five seasons, he rode with the Israel-Premier Tech team, achieving notable milestones such as winning a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships and participating in multiple Olympic Games.
Expressing gratitude to his family, longtime coach Paulo Saldanha, teammates, and supporters, Woods expressed pride in his accomplishments and the journey that led him to become one of the world’s top cyclists. While bidding farewell to professional cycling, Woods hinted at exploring new avenues within the realm of endurance sports, promising to share further details in due course.