Canadian Michael Woods has announced he will retire from professional cycling at the end of the 2025 season, citing the dangers, suffering and sacrifices of 12 years in the peloton as the main reasons for his decision.

"As they say, all good things must come to an end," Woods said through his Israel-Premier Tech team, hinting that he will continue competing, but in a different way. "I still have big ambitions and plans for the coming years that will involve exploring new areas of endurance sports (I have some epic plans in store, so stay tuned)."

At 38, Woods has enjoyed a remarkable career despite coming late to professional cycling, only starting to compete at 25 after having been a top-level track and field athlete. His track record includes prestigious stage victories such as the Vuelta España (2018, 2020, 2024), a stage win at the 2023 Tour de France, a second-place finish at the 2018 Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships in Innsbruck.

"Cycling is a ridiculously dangerous sport," Woods explained. "I've been racing professionally for 11 years, plus two more as an amateur. The toll on my health has been significant, and the time away from my family has been extensive. Being a father has shown me how difficult it is to balance being one of the best riders in the world with being a good dad."

Woods will finish his career by racing the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and de Montréal, before possible appearances at the World Championships and some final European races. "Considering that I started this sport at 25, on a $1,000 bike my parents gave me, without knowing anything about it, it's incredible how far I've come. I've managed to become one of the best cyclists in the world, and it's a journey I'm incredibly proud of."

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