Former professional middle-distance runner Michael Woods (Cannondale) had a cracking start to his WorldTour career at the Tour Down Under. I was keen to hear how my Rider of the Race was faring now he was back in Europe.

Michael Woods racing in Catalunya stage 7 (image: Cannondale)

Michael had ridden in the recent Volta a Catalunya  (home turf now that he’s moved to Girona) and finished 18th overall in a race with a stellar cast, many of whom were also riding in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco. I asked him how he was finding the race:

Oh, it’s a beautiful, really nice race. I came into it a bit low on confidence because I got sick last week but I’m really enjoying the racing and the parcours. I’ll be helping the team as much as possible and hoping to get into the break in the next day or two.

He’s riding in support of another new Cannondale recruit Pierre Rolland and Lawson Craddock, midway through the latter is the team’s best placed rider followed by the former. Yet another of the new boys, Simon Clarke, Michael credits with giving him plenty of great advice and support.

Michael is one of two former University of Michigan alumni, the other is IAM’s Larry Warbasse. Interestingly, they both write must-read blogs: Michael for Cyclingnews and Larry for Rouleur. If you enjoy reading about races from the rider’s perspective (I know I do), follow them both throughout the season. You won’t be disappointed.

Header image: Cannondale Recon in Pais Vasco from Cannondale Pro Cycling