Michael Woods Takes Second Place at Mont Ventoux Challenge

Canadian cyclist Michael Woods finished in second place at the CIC Mont Ventoux Challenge after an impressive performance in the race. Despite putting in a strong attack with four kilometers to go and being joined by Domenico Pozzovivo in the final kilometers, Woods was out-sprinted by Lenny Martinez of Groupama – FDJ, securing his first podium of the year.

The race originally featured several smaller climbs before taking on Mont Ventoux twice, but due to a weather warning, the second ascent was canceled. As a result, the race was decided on a shortened stage with one climb up Ventoux. Woods launched a powerful attack with four kilometers remaining, causing the peloton to split. Pozzovivo, a seasoned rider, bridged the gap and worked at the front of the reduced group to thin it down. However, Woods was overtaken at the finish line, settling for second place. Pozzovivo finished in seventh, fifteen seconds behind.

Although disappointed with not securing the top spot, Woods expressed satisfaction with his form and the performance of his team:

“I’m pleased with my form, but I’m disappointed with the result. I really thought I had a good shot at winning, but I just didn’t play my cards as well as I could have. With the shortened stage and headwind, it didn’t really suit me, but I’m pleased that my form is really good. I just need to do some final touches, and I’ll be there to win. The teamwork was excellent today, the guys were great, so I wish I could have finished it off a bit better, but I can’t really be too disappointed with second place.”

Pozzovivo, who played a crucial role in supporting Woods during the race, was also pleased with his own performance and optimistic for future races:

“We took responsibility for leading the race from the start, and I think we raced very well. Michael showed very good shape, and I tried to help him in the steeper last two kilometers of the climb. I think even though we didn’t win, we can be happy about our performance today and confident for the upcoming Tour de Occitanie.”

Sports Director Oscar Guerrero acknowledged the strong effort of the team and their potential for future success:

“It was a great job from the team. We took on the responsibility of leading the race from the beginning because when they shortened the parcours, the race was only one hundred kilometers, with one climb of Mont Ventoux, so we didn’t want a big breakaway. I think the difference was really small, but we couldn’t quite get the win. But second for Woods, seventh for Domenico, and then fourteenth for Riccitello is very good. The team worked well, and we gave it everything to win, and we couldn’t quite manage it in the end, but this is a good sign of things to come.”