Despite uncertain future, Canada’s Michael Woods turning heads at Spanish Vuelta
Canadian cyclist Michael Woods is turning heads in just his second Grand Tour event.
The 30-year-old from Ottawa enters the final week of the Spanish Vuelta riding high in eighth place, holding a 33-second edge over three-time winner Alberto Contador of Spain in ninth. And Woods is contending despite the uncertainty concerning the future of his Cannondale-Drapac racing team.
Cannondale-Drapac, managed by Slipstream Sports, is reeling from the loss of a sponsor. A crowdfunding effort had raised US$2.4 million as of early Monday but the goal is $7 million.
British star Chris Froome leads the general classification standings of the 21-stage, 3,324.1-kilometre race, which ends next Sunday in Madrid. Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali is second, 61 seconds behind, with Russian Ilnur Zakarini another 1:07 back.