'It's wild, I don't think you'd write a better movie script' – Michael Woods completes the circle with 'crazy' Worlds comeback
The Canadian retired and became an ultra-rider last year but will ride in Montréal on Sunday
Michael Woods has completed a remarkable comeback to top-level road competition at the age of 39, preparing to compete in the Canadian city of Montréal for the men's elite road race on Sunday. The 39-year-old, who will turn 40 in three weeks, had been sidelined by a hernia surgery that left him unable to race full-time. Woods took a low-key approach, testing his fitness in ultra-racing events like Unbound and Leadville, before training intensively over a six-week block, including altitude work at Leadville.
He has maintained ties with his former team, Israel-Premier Tech, and trained with riders including Jake Stewart, George Bennett and Corbin Strong. Woods expressed nervousness before the Québec-Montréal races, but performed well, finishing 18th in Montréal. The Canadian fans have warmly welcomed his return, and Woods will be honored with a mural on a 10-story building owned by his former team boss Sylvan Adams, who previously enabled Woods to turn professional.
Woods anticipates a top-20 finish in the race, and believes Mathieu van der Poel might be the overall favorite, despite the absence of Tadej Pogačar.
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