Michael Woods Returns from Retirement for a Final Race in His Hometown

Michael Woods, a 39‑year‑old Ottawa native and Tour de France stage winner, retired after a painful hernia forced him to quit weeks before his planned swansong at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal.

Cycling Canada announced last month that Woods is coming out of retirement to ride for the national team at the road cycling world championships in Montreal on Sept. 27.

Woods called the Montreal venue a “once‑in‑a‑lifetime” opportunity and said it will be his last race, adding that the city holds special meaning for his career.

His confidence returned after a seventh‑place finish at the Canadian national road race in June, and he used the Grand Prix Cycliste events in Quebec City and Montreal as tune‑ups for the world championships.

After stepping away from professional road racing, Woods explored gravel, mountain biking and ski mountaineering, competing in events such as Pierra Menta, the Leadville Trail race and Levi’s GranFondo, which kept him fit and reignited his passion.

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