Michael Woods speaks of his points of pride as he marks his retirement from a 12-year career marked by sacrifice and hardship

Michael Woods, a Canadian cycling sensation, has announced his retirement from professional road cycling at the end of the 2025 season. The 38-year-old athlete, who has been a professional for 12 years and an amateur for 2 years before that, has made a significant impact on the sport.

Woods began his cycling journey at the age of 25, overcoming a late entry to the sport and rising through the Continental ranks. His hard work and dedication paid off, as he joined the Cannondale WorldTour team in 2016.

Throughout his career, Woods has achieved numerous milestones. He became the Canadian national champion in the summer of 2024 and won a bronze medal at the World Championships. He also achieved second place at a monument, among other notable achievements.

Woods' career highlights include winning 16 races, including stages at the Vuelta a España in 2018, 2020, and 2024, and a stage at the 2023 Tour de France. He was second in the 2018 Liège-Bastogne-Liège and third at the 2018 World Championships in Innsbruck, Austria.

However, the demands of professional cycling, particularly the extensive calendar, have taken a toll on Woods' personal life. He has spent a significant amount of time away from his family, a sacrifice he has had to make for his career.

In a revealing blog during the 2025 Tour de France, Woods highlighted the dangers of professional cycling. He cited several crashes and injuries as reasons for his retirement. In March 2025, he fractured his collarbone and was forced to abandon the Tour de Suisse due to a lung infection.

Being a father has shown Woods that being one of the best riders in the world is at odds with being a good dad. He expressed concerns about the dangers and demands of professional cycling, and after much thought, decided to retire.

Woods has expressed gratitude for the people who helped him during his journey in the sport. He thanked his wife, long-time coach Paulo Saldanha, the Ottawa cycling community, team manager Jonathan Vaughters, and others for their support.

As he prepares for his retirement, Woods plans to explore new arenas in endurance sports. He will compete in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal before potentially participating in the World Championships and some final European races.

Woods feels eternally grateful for the transformation in his life from a time of doubt to his current success. He leaves the professional road cycling scene with a legacy of resilience, determination, and a reminder of the balance between personal and professional life.

Michael Woods speaks of his points of pride as he marks his retirement from a 12-year career marked by sacrifice and hardship