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Michael Woods (cyclist)

Michael Russell "Rusty" Woods is a Canadian former professional road racing cyclist and former middle-distance runner.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Michael Russell "Rusty" Woods is a Canadian former professional road racing cyclist and former middle-distance runner. He became known for climbing performances and stage-race results, and is also noted as the only person to have both run a sub-four-minute mile and complete the Tour de France. He retired from professional cycling after the 2025 season.

Early life and athletics

Woods first competed as a runner, not a cyclist, and was a successful middle-distance athlete before shifting sports because of injury. This background later shaped his reputation as an unusually versatile endurance athlete.

Cycling career

He turned professional in 2013 and developed into a strong climber, with results in stage races and one-day races. His career included time with several professional teams and a move to WorldTour-level cycling.

Major achievements

Woods is associated with a Tour de France stage victory and a bronze medal at the 2018 UCI Road World Championships. He also achieved high finishes in Grand Tours and other major international races.

Retirement

In 2025, Woods said he would retire from professional cycling at the end of the season. Reports described health, safety, and family considerations as reasons for his decision.

Key facts

  • Woods was born on 12 October 1986 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
  • He began his athletic career as a middle-distance runner before moving into cycling after injury.
  • He turned professional in cycling in 2013.
  • He won a Tour de France stage and other major races during his career.
  • He represented Canada at the Olympic Games and World Championships.
  • He announced in 2025 that he would retire at the end of that season.
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Canadian context

Woods is a Canadian athlete from Ontario who has represented Canada in major international cycling events, including the Olympics and World Championships.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Michael Woods?
Michael Woods is a Canadian former professional road cyclist and former middle-distance runner known for his climbing ability and major race results.
What is Michael Woods best known for?
He is best known for winning at the top level of road cycling and for being the first person to both run a sub-four-minute mile and complete the Tour de France.
When was Michael Woods born?
He was born on 12 October 1986.
What nationality is Michael Woods?
He is Canadian.
When did Michael Woods retire?
He announced in 2025 that he would retire at the end of that season.
What sport did Michael Woods do before cycling?
He competed as a middle-distance runner before switching to cycling.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Woods_(cyclist)
    Supports: Birth date, Canadian nationality, former professional cyclist status, retirement announcement, and note about sub-four-minute mile plus Tour de France.
  2. CyclingNews — https://www.cyclingnews.com/riders/michael-woods/
    Supports: Career background, transition from running to cycling, first major results, and professional team history.
  3. BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/48688183
    Supports: Grand Tour results and background on his transition to elite cycling.
  4. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-s-michael-woods-announces-retirement-from-cycling-1.7611637
    Supports: Retirement announcement, Canadian identity, and athletic background.
  5. L'Équipe — https://www.lequipe.fr/Cyclisme-sur-route/CyclismeFicheCoureur11623.html
    Supports: Nationality, birth date, major results, and team history.