Michael Woods announces the end of his career

Michael Woods from Team Israel - Premier Tech has announced that he will end his professional cycling career at the end of the 2025 season. In his statement, the 38-year-old Canadian, who won the Canadian championship last year, cited the dangers of the sport and the strain on his health and family as the main factors behind his decision. "As they say, all good things must come to an end," Woods explained about his team. At the same time, he indicated that he would like to remain active in endurance sports, but in other areas. "I still have big ambitions and plans for the coming years, which will include exploring new areas in endurance sports. But I have made the decision to retire from professional road cycling at the end of this season," said the Canadian.

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Dangers and stresses of professional sport

In his blog during the Tour de France, Woods had already discussed the dangers and demands of professional cycling on several occasions. After twelve years in the peloton and with increasing age, the risks no longer seem proportionate for the 38-year-old. "As happy as I am to be doing this job, it also has its downsides. I emphasised in my blog during the Tour that cycling is a very dangerous sport," explained Woods. His concerns were reinforced by several crashes and injuries. However, Woods also emphasised the family sacrifices that come with professional sport.

Gratitude and plans for the future

In his statement, Woods expressed deep gratitude to everyone who has supported him along the way. He especially thanked his wife, his long-time coach Paulo Saldanha, the cycling community in Ottawa, team manager Jonathan Vaughters and many others who have been with him throughout his career. "To all the people who have helped me along the way - whether it was through a simple message of encouragement, cheering on the side of the road, or people like Nick Vipond and Kevin Field who didn't burst out laughing when I told them I wanted to go to the Olympics in 2016, or Paulo and Sylvan, the two people who changed the direction of my whole life - I want to say thank you. Thank you for everything." Although Woods will end his career as a professional road cyclist, he hints that he wants to remain active in endurance sports. He already has plans for the future, but did not give any specific details.