Michael Woods is a master of the brutal gradients and because of that Flèche Wallone is always a race that suits him. For that reason he's finished among the best for the fourth year in a row, and the
Israel - Premier Tech rider was happy at the finish line after what he says was his best racing day in two years.
“I was really pleased with today. I gave it my all, and I had an exceptional lead out from Simon, and just really great teamwork all day. All the guys were great, so I can’t complain," Woods said following the Belgian classic. "Obviously it’s nicer to finish higher up the results sheet, but fourth is sill great for me. Especially after the tough season I had last year, this is the best result I’ve had since 2021."
Woods struggled in several of his main goals over 2022 and suffered a lot of pressure from the team which eventually was relegated. He had occasional strong performances but at lower level races, but now he's regained his sharpness among the best. A sixth place at the Volta a Catalunya hinted that the Canadian could be back to his best form, and now at Flèche Wallone he rode to fourth, leading the peloton alongside Tadej Pogacar until the sprint was launched.
"I’m just really pleased to be moving in the right direction, and to be back at the front of the race, and especially as I was at the front of the race, and I went for it, so I’m proud of that," he concluded. The 36-year old now moves onto Liège-Bastogne-Liège where he's finished in the Top10 on all six occasions that he concluded it, including a second place in 2018.
