Michael Woods becomes first Canadian cyclist to win Route d’Occitanie

Michael Woods (Connor Mah, Wikimedia Commons)

Michael Woods of Toronto, Ontario became the first Canadian ever to win the prestigious Route d’Occitanie on Sunday. This is a four-stage cycling event throughout southern France.

Woods won the gold medal with a time of 14 hours, 33 minutes and 48 seconds. Carlos Rodriguez of Spain won the silver medal with a time of 14 hours, 35 minutes and four seconds. Jesus Herrada of Spain won the bronze medal with a time of 14 hours, 35 minutes and nine seconds. Woods reached the top three by one minute and 24 seconds over Alejandro Valverde of Spain, who finished in fourth place with a time of 14 hours, 35 minutes and 12 seconds.

Woods’s best stage during there four-stage event was the third stage on Saturday. There he had the fastest time of five hours, 23 minutes and 35 seconds. Woods also took the overall lead with a time of 10 hours, 19 minutes and 59 seconds after the stage.

The Route d’Occitanie is significant because it is an elite preparation race leading up to the 2022 Tour de France. That will take place starting Canada Day.

Woods’s most significant achievement in men’s road cycling was winning the bronze medal at the 2018 World Cycling Championship in Innsbruck, Austria. The championship at the Route d’Occitanie will give him confidence as he prepares for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. 

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