Woods claims emotional first WorldTour win in Vuelta a Espana
(Cyclingnews.com)

Canada`s Michael Woods (EF-Education First-Drapac) clinched his first-ever WorldTour win and first Grand Tour stage with a remarkable display of climbing power on the mist-wreathed summit of Balcon De Bizkaia during stage 17 at the Vuelta a España. Part of a breakaway of 25 riders that shredded itself to pieces on the severely steep 7km Basque ascent, Woods had to dig deep on the last part of the stage as the road reared up for its umpteenth double-digit ramp, with closest pursuer Dylan Teuns (BMC Racing Team) looming close behind. Woods, 31, was able to hold on for his first victory since a stage of the Tour of Utah back in 2015, and for EF Education First-Drapac`s second stage victory in the 2018 Vuelta a España. It is also Canada`s first win in the Vuelta a España since Ryder Hesjedal on the Camperona in 2014, which the peloton tackled last Friday.ADVERTISEMENT Woods explained that it had been a deeply emotional win for him as he and his wife had lost their son in a stillbirth two months ago. His wife had been 37 weeks pregnant at the time, and her father also died just a month before that. `It has been really, really difficult. We were just so excited to bring him into this world, his name was Hunter.` Woods told reporters. `It`s been a very hard year for us. I really wanted to win for him and win for my wife.` You can read more at Cyclingnews.com