Cycling
Canadian Michael Woods wins Stage 2
(Mirador) Canadian cyclist Michael Woods showed his strength on the climb on Friday, winning the second stage of the four-stage Gran Camino race to take the overall lead.
The 35-year-old Ottawan, from the Israel-Premier Tech team, completed the 177.6-kilometre stage in 4 hours 35 minutes and 52 seconds to take a 17-second lead over Alejandro Valverde in the overall standings. The Spaniard finished second in the stage, 16 seconds behind.
“I am very happy and relieved. It’s really important to win early in the season, both for me and for the team, mentioned Woods. I’ve had a lot of close finishes over the last few months, but not a lot of wins. So it’s good to finally have another one under my belt. I went to Ruta del Sol last week hoping to get a result because I was in good shape.
“Then I got sick and spent the last week worrying about my form, hoping to have the legs I had before I got sick. I think so. »
Woods nearly missed the five-stage Ruta del Sol race with a stomach ache. He ended up giving up after the first stage.
Woods placed his attack on the final mile of Mirador de Ezaro, which features steep climbs of up to 28%.
“Mike felt good and he rode very smart with a well-timed attack,” said Israel-Premier Tech sporting director Oscar Guerrero. He got the win and he also tried to take as long as possible in the general classification, but our big goal was the stage win. »
The Dane Magnus Cort, winner of the first stage, slipped to the 65and overall position, 3:25 behind Woods. Ottawa’s Derek Gee, who also rides for Israel-Premier Tech, is 57and in the general classification.
Saturday’s 148.4 kilometer stage between Maceda and Luintra will be followed by a 15.8 kilometer final time trial on Sunday.
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Sophia Jhon is a sports journalist and author. He has worked as a news editor for Sportish and is now a sport columnist for the same publication. Alberta’s professional interests lie largely in sports news, with an emphasis on English football. He has also written articles on other sporting topics.