Michael Woods

Michael Russell Woods (born 12 October 1986) is a Canadian professional racing cyclist, who rides for UCI WorldTeam . An accomplished runner as well, Woods was the first person who has run a sub-four-minute mile to complete the Tour de France. Career Athletics career Woods' first sport was ice hockey and his childhood ambition was to play as a left wing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Prior to becoming a cyclist, Woods was a promising middle-distance runner, setting Canadian national junior records in the mile and 3000 metres in 2005, as well as taking the gold medal in the 1500 metres at the 2005 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships. However, he suffered a recurring stress fracture in his left foot, exacerbated by excessive training and racing, resulting in his running his last race in 2007. Woods underwent surgery twice in order to correct the problem without success. He took up cycling initially as cross-training before friends persuaded him to enter races. Woods was taught English at school by Paul Dewar, who was later elected as a Member of Parliament. Woods attended the University of Michigan on a track athletic scholarship, graduating in 2008. While at Michigan, he was coached by Ron Warhurst.