Michael Woods Giro recovery begins with ‘lying around and doing nothing’

On Sunday, Michael Woods of Cannondale-Drapac completed his first Grand Tour when he rolled across the line in Milan to finish 21 stages of racing at the 2017 Giro d’Italia. The 30-year-old Ottawa native had a solid outing at the race with two fifth place performances and playing a vital role in his teammate Pierre Rolland’s Stage 17 victory.

“I definitely learned that I can handle a lot more than I originally thought and that bike racing, particularly in the third week of a grand tour, is damn hard,” Woods reflected upon completion of the race.

Rolland’s victory was Cannondale-Drapac’s high point from the Giro which started in Sardinia and made its way through Italy from the south to the north. Woods played a key role in Pierre Rolland’s Stage 17 victory riding as a foil in the breakaway as his teammate went up the road solo with 8 km to go.  “We were riding super well together, and feeding off each other,” Woods said.  “If Pierre wasn’t winning that race, then I was and there was a real sense between us that we were going to do something special. ”

Three top-10 placings along with helping a teammate to a stage win are accomplishments Woods is happy with but there was also the sense of what could have been. “I think the low point, in some ways, was also a high point. Winning the bunch kick on Stage 6 was certainly a rush, but it was pretty bittersweet, as we didn’t bring back the breakaway,” Woods said. “Had we done that, I could have had a win at the Giro and that leaves a pretty bad taste in my mouth. ”

With the race over, it’s regular day-to-day pleasures Woods now wants to make the most of before resuming his season for the Tour de Suisse in mid-June.

Responding to what he most looks forward to, Woods said, “Hanging out with my wife.  I have been on the road a lot this year, so it is going to be good to spend a solid ten days together before I head out for the next race.  ”

That, however, does not mean the grueling days of competition in front of crowds of fans won’t be missed.

“There is a really nice rhythm to racing the Giro.  I will certainly miss that rhythm and having my laundry, dishes, chores and cooking done for me,” he explained. “I’m also going to miss the high you get from racing in front of such a big audience. ”

Pro cyclists are always balancing recovery with racing and training. The game plan to recover from the Giro for Woods, “Lying around and doing nothing,” he said. “I’ll eventually get on my bike though.”

Woods is still looking for his first win since joining Cannondale-Drapac last year and though he has been close there are races on the horizon that provide good opportunities.

While completing the Giro was an accomplishment as riding a first three-week WorldTour race is no easy feat, Woods now hopes to use it as a stepping stone to the biggest bike race in the world, the Tour de France. “I think the Giro was key to my development as a rider and I believe I am certainly a better athlete because of this race.  As for goals, obviously, the next thing to check off the list is the Tour,” he said. “I think this GrandTour will certainly help me to getting a start on a Tour de France roster.”