The Vuelta a Espana always seems to provide a few surprises. For some riders, the annual romp around Spain provides an opportunity to salvage a season of mediocre or lackluster results. Then there are the revelations, lesser-known athletes who stand out from the rest of peloton as potential stars of the future. And while only time will tell as to whether these guys go on to deliver on their late season promise, at least one "revelation" also fits the bill as a late bloomer, in cycling terms at least.
Michael Woods might not be a name most cycling fans are familiar with. Currently lying in eighth place on the General Classifiction (GC), the Cannondale-Drapac rider is literally having the race of his life. At 30 years of age, there are many who might wonder where the hell the Canadian has been hiding all these years; it is almost as if he has appeared out of nowhere.
But Michael has been around the block. A middle distance running prodigy in his late teens, the rider (nick)named "Rusty" was one of Canada's brightest athletic talents. But injuries and illness plagued him throughout and Michael's case has the hallmarks of the classic burnout syndrome. Until he found cycling that is.
A few years climbing the ladder all the way from club level eventually saw Woods land a spot on a World Tour squad. And while many would be envious of having both run a 3min54sec mile and cycling a record 2hr32min for the 56km Haleakala climb in Hawaii, it is perhaps Michael's refreshing attitude that makes him unique.
Michael has been quoted that he lacked appreciation in his running days. Appreciation for his talent, for the support he got as well as the cool places running took him. He admits he had an unhealthy perspective, often letting the shitty hotel bathroom in an otherwise beautiful European city dominate his thoughts. Yes, sometimes you only realize what you had once it has all gone way.
Now older and wiser, Michael has a healthy appreciation of life. While he may well be short of cycling years, he certainly has a lot to offer as far as life experience goes; he's been given a second chance and savoring every minute if it. So it's really exciting to see him "up there" in only his second Grand Tour. And whatever happens on Sierra de la Pandera later today, one thing is for sure: Michael Woods will appreciate the warmth of the hotel shower tonight, no matter how small the cubicle.
