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Woods secures big win at top of famed Tour de France mountain as Pogacar closes gap on Vingegaard

Canada’s Michael Woods approaches the finish line to win the ninth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 182.5 kilometers (113.5 miles) with start in Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat and finish in Puy de Dome, France, Sunday, July 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar, wearing the best young rider’s white jersey, reacts after crossing the finish line of the ninth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 182.5 kilometers (113.5 miles) with start in Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat and finish in Puy de Dome, France, Sunday, July 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard, center, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, rides with his team during the ninth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 182.5 kilometers (113.5 miles) with start in Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat and finish in Puy de Dome, France, Sunday, July 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

Canada’s Michael Woods wins the ninth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 182.5 kilometers (113.5 miles) with start in Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat and finish in Puy de Dome, France, Sunday, July 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

Athletes ride during the ninth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 182.5 kilometers (113.5 miles) with start in Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat and finish in Puy de Dome, France, Sunday, July 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

Matteo Jorgenson of the U.S. rides the last kilometers of the ninth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 182.5 kilometers (113.5 miles) with start in Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat and finish in Puy de Dome, France, Sunday, July 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar, wearing the best young rider’s white jersey, arrives for the start of the ninth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 182.5 kilometers (113.5 miles) with start in Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat and finish in Puy de Dome, France, Sunday, July 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar, wearing the best young rider’s white jersey, center, rides during the ninth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 182.5 kilometers (113.5 miles) with start in Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat and finish in Puy de Dome, France, Sunday, July 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, reacts after crossing the finish line of the ninth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 182.5 kilometers (113.5 miles) with start in Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat and finish in Puy de Dome, France, Sunday, July 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, celebrates on the podium of the ninth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 182.5 kilometers (113.5 miles) with start in Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat and finish in Puy de Dome, France, Sunday, July 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, approaches the finish line of the ninth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 182.5 kilometers (113.5 miles) with start in Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat and finish in Puy de Dome, France, Sunday, July 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

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PUY DE DOME, France (AP) — On the same mountain where five-time Tour de France champion Jacques Anquetil and Raymond Poulidor wrote themselves into race history 59 years earlier, all eyes Sunday were on Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar’s continued rivalry at cycling’s biggest race.

Neither Vingegaard nor Pogacar finished first at the summit of the Puy de Dome after Canadian Michael Woods delivered an impressive solo effort to claim the biggest success of his career.

But the fierce rivals, riding well behind the day’s breakaway they had allowed to form, were again in the spotlight.

The two have been in a fierce duel since the start in Bilbao, Spain, of this year’s pulsating Tour and will certainly enjoy Monday’s first rest day.

Vingegaard, the defending champion from Denmark after he dethroned Pogacar last year, had the upper hand in the first round of their battle in altitude. His Slovenian rival responded in style to regain time in the next two mountain stages.

With two weeks of racing remaining, only 17 seconds separate the two in the general classification, with Vingegaard wearing the yellow jersey.

Jai Hindley is in third place, 2 minutes, 40 seconds off the pace.

Vingegaard and Pogacar’s confrontation Sunday on the steepest part of the climb up to the Puy de Dome was not as dramatic as the duel between Anquetil and Poulidor back in 1964, when the two French rivals engaged in a “mano a mano” for the ages.

But amid silence reigning in the thin air — the road leading up to the top of the mountain is so narrow that fans had not been allowed access — the two teamed up for another epic moment, again in a class of their own, with Pogacar in the role of the attacker.

After another great collective effort from Vingegaard’s Jumbo-Visma teammates in the final ramp that destroyed the field, Pogacar launched his attack with 1.5 kilometers left and accelerated again on the steepest gradients. Vingegaard lost ground but did not panic and managed to limit the deficit to eight seconds to retain the yellow jersey.

“It’s not a victory, but it’s a small victory, so I’m super happy today,” said Pogacar, a two-time Tour champion.

Pogacar was the strongest rider up the 13.3-kilometer ascent, with a speed of 23.7 kph (14.7 mph), considerably faster than Woods’ winning average of 19.8 kph (12.3 mph).

Vingegaard admitted Pogacar’s superiority on the day, but insisted the profile of the Alpine stages still to come better suit his style.

“It would have been nicer to gain than lose time on Tadej Pogacar, but as I said before, I came to the Tour knowing that the first week suited me less than what’s to come, so to be in the yellow jersey at the end of the first week satisfies me,” he said.

Woods, who rides for the Israel-Premier Tech team, has no ambition in the general classification and was part of the early breakaway that formed early. He managed to catch American Matteo Jorgenson just 500 meters from the summit after his rival jumped away from the leading group with less than 50 kilometers left.

Woods then dropped Jorgenson at ease and reached the summit of the Puy de Dome, a volcanic crater in the Massif Central region of south-central France that last hosted a stage 35 years ago.

“I’m 36 years old, turning 37 this year, I’m not getting any younger,” said Woods, who also owns two stage wins at the Spanish Vuelta. “To win a Tour de France stage was my ultimate goal and I could see the window closing.”

Frenchman Pierre Latour finished the 182.5-kilometer (113-mile) stage in second place, with Matej Mohoric of Slovenia completing the podium. Jorgenson ended up fourth.

The ninth stage started in Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat, where Poulidor, the grandfather of one-day race specialist Mathieu van der Poel, lived much of his life.

Visibly emotional, van der Poel attended a small ceremony honoring his grandfather before the start. The Dutch rider’s team Alpecin-Deceuninck also paid a tribute to Poulidor, with van der Poel competing on a customized bike decorated with images of Poulidor and Anquetil.

A group of 14 experienced riders managed to break away soon after the start of the race. On the hilly roads of the Limousin region, the peloton first kept them on a tight leash. They were finally given permission to move away, and they built a lead of more than 16 minutes.

There were a lot of attacks in the break, and Jorgenson managed to go clear with 47 kilometers remaining. The young American kept on pushing hard on the roads leading to the foot of the last climb and opened a one-minute gap, but it didn’t last.

“I just started to feel empty with 1 kilometer to go, and then before I knew it, Mike was there and passing me and it was a surprise but there was absolutely nothing I could do,” Jorgenson said.

AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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Tour de France 2023: Pogacar closes on yellow on Puy de Dôme as Woods wins stage nine – as it happened

Michael Woods pipped Matteo Jorgenson at the last to win atop the Puy de Dôme while Tadej Pogacar made ground on the overall leader, Jonas Vingegaard

• 9 Jul 2023 Stage nine report
• 9 Jul 2023 GC standings, top 10
• 9 Jul 2023 Those stage nine results in full
• 9 Jul 2023 Pogacar pips Vingegaard by eight seconds
• 9 Jul 2023 Stage 9 top 5
• 9 Jul 2023 Michael Woods wins stage nine of the Tour de France!
• 9 Jul 2023 Another KOTM point for Powless
• 9 Jul 2023 Powless takes another KOTM point
• 9 Jul 2023 Powless takes KOTM point
• 9 Jul 2023 Preamble

Stage nine report

Right, and on these bombshells, that’s us done on an immense day of racing (and a pretty immense day of sport in general), which had all manner of narratives. The principal ones being Tadej Pogacar laying down the gauntlet to Jonas Vingegaard, who might just be relieved that his rival took only eight seconds off him at the end. And then there was heartache for Matteo Jorgenson who rode so boldly and so well before the superior climbing smarts of Michael Woods landed him a memorable stage win.

Jeremy Whittle’s stage report will be up very shortly. Thanks for your company and comments. Bye.

GC standings, top 10

1. Jonas Vingegaard 2. Tadej Pogacar +17 3. Jai Hindley +2:40 4. Carlos Rodriguez +4:22 5. Adam Yates +4:39 6. Simon Yates +4:44 7. Thomas Pidcock +5:26 8. David Gaudu +6:01 9. Sepp Kuss +6:45 10. Pello Bilbao +7:37

Michael Woods speaks: “I’m still having to pinch myself moment,” says the stage winner. “I can’t believe I did it – I’m proud of myself and my team. [The crowd] was deafening until I got to 4km to go and my ears were still ringing and I had a lot of time to think and suffer.

I’m not getting any younger and I’ve finally achieved it [a Tour de France stage win] and I feel so fortunate to have so many great people behind me – my family, my team, my wife, my kids.

I wish I could tell you it was all planned – I wanted to be with Jorgenson out front but I didn’t play my cards super-right but I had to be patient but with 40 to go I didn’t think of going for the win, but just set a time trial for myself. It’s super special to win at the Puy de Dome and I hope we get to come here in years to come.” It certainly was quite the setting for a stage finish.

Those stage nine results in full

1. Michael Woods 2. Pierre Latour +28 3. Matej Mohoric +35 4. Mateo Jorgenson +35 5. Clement Berthet +55 6. Nielson Powless +1:23 7. Alexey Lutsenko +1:39 8. Jonas Gregaard +1:58 9. Mathieu Burgaudeau +2:16 10. David de la Cruz +2:34

Jorgenson speaks and reveals he had no radio assistance at the denouement. “I had to play my hand a bit early. I knew I wouldn’t be able to match Woods and Neilsen [Powless] in the climb and I had to get away in a small group or go solo> In the end I had to hope others blew up because it wasn’t quite enough. Radio didn’t work on the climb so the only time gap I had was the motor and I was being told [my lead was] a minute, then 35 seconds and 35 was the last I iheard and before I knew it Mike was there and passing me and there was absolutely nothing I could do.”

Pogacar pips Vingegaard by eight seconds

Vingegaard responds as they turn through the 14 degree gradient to the summit but Pogacar stays in front, and crosses just over eight seconds ahead of his rival. He’s made some ground but not as much as seemed likely a minute or so earlier. What an epic afternoon’s racing.

Vingegaard retains the yellow jersey.

Pogacar is powering ahead of his great rival now, around 11 seconds as they approach the summit …

I say that but now Pogacar kicks clear with Vingegaard on his wheel but Pogacar gets some distance on him. The defending champion stays within reach though

Now back in the peloton , we’ve got Tom Pidcock is well placed but Jai Hindley beginning to assert himself. Nothing decisive from or around Pogacar or Vingegaard.

Stage 9 top 5

1 Michael Woods 2. Pierre Latour 3. Matej Mohoric 4. Matteo Jorgenson 5. Clément Berthet

Pierre La Tour overhauls Jorgenson too at the last, so does Mohoric. Ah poor Matteo.

Michael Woods wins stage nine of the Tour de France!

A perfectly executed climb from the Canadian. He’s the king of the Puy de Dome.

Woods is looking so menacing and fluent and he hits the front . Jorgenson can’t respond!

1km to go: Woods gets clear of Mohoric – this is a dramatic late rally – and he’s targeting a toiling Jorgenson. It’s only 23 seconds!

1.5km to go: The gap’s dropping dramatically from Jorgenson to Mohoric as the lead group power upwards by the railway line. UAE Team Emirates step it up in the peloton but Kelderman, I think, is fronting the pack there. Vingegaard gets into position behind him

Jorgenson leads by less than 40 seconds. Is he fading? Is Woods the man to watch?

2.5km to go: Mohoric decides to go for it, as Powless starts to struggle in the initial pursuers’ group. Jorgenson lead him by 57 seconds. Michael Woods, meanwhile, has broken clear of the main pursuit group and overhauled Powless. He was favourite to win the stage – what can he pull off here? It’s getting tense.

4km to go: Suddenly, we have no crowds to yell Jorgenson home as he nudges his lead up to 1:19. It’s a behind-closed-doors race, if you will. Further back Dylan van Baarle, Wout van Aert and Wilco Kelderman are all on the front of the peloton. Vingegaard still in the pack. But UAE Team Emirates are beginning to stir, though Pogacar looks pretty knackered.

Elsewhere …

🥵As @MatteoJorg holds on, the peloton loses some riders. Both @skjelmose_ and @giuliocicco1 have lost contact. 🥵Alors que @MatteoJorg s'accroche, le peloton perd des coureurs. @skjelmose_ et @giuliocicco1 ont tous deux perdu le contact. #TDF2023 pic.twitter.com/E3veNB3SRo — Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 9, 2023

5km to go: Jorgenson is getting stronger – who says he didn’t fancy his climbing abilities? – and is beginning to look, whisper it, unassailable. He’s 1:14 ahead, the three pursuers in their turn are another minute in front of the main pursuers. The peloton is 14 minutes back.

6.5km to go: Romain Bardet’s DSM-Firmenich team, UAE Emirates and Jumbo-Visma are beginning to properly duke it out in the peloton and the GC battle, though Vingegaard is sitting back behind his Jumbo-Visma teammates. This is only going to get spicier as the climb steepens and the roads narrow with clamouring crowds.

Jorgenson powers on alone at the front, 1minute 10 seconds ahead.

9km to go: There are of course no crowds permitted at the summit, from 4km out to be precise, but there’s plenty just before then, and it’s getting properly raucous as the frontrunners climb. Powless is seeking to escape the principal pursuers. They’re still on his wheel though. Jorgenson leads by around a minute. What an achievement this will be by the 24-year-old American if he can hang on for the stage win here.

Jumbo-Visma still front a crowded peloton, 15 minutes back.

11km to go: Jorgenson manages to extend his lead in the foothills of the climb, nudging it over a minute for a good while before it dips back below it. The three principal chasers are working well together, and they include the runaway KOTM leader Powless. The peloton, precariously bunched up, is 16 minutes back, and we’ll have their climactic fun and games to enjoy soon too – which could have huge significance for the GC. And in front of them, a motorcyclist crashes to add to the challenge. Hope all are OK there.

Watching the frontrunners ascend is making my legs ache, let alone theirs. And it’ll only get tougher.

13km to go: Jorgenson is cruising currently, taking the bends with aplomb. Letsenko has rejoined the poursuivants but out front Jorgenson has set an exacting task for the experienced climbers behind him. The gap is 57 seconds as I type this between the American and the chasing group of Powless, Burgaudeau and Mohoric. We’re beginning to climb, and with a headwind

18km to go: Some back wheel chain bother pegs De La Cruz back, and he has to pull aside and replace his bike, costing him serious time at a crucial stage. He might struggle to rejoin them now. Jorgenson powers ahead by more than 35 seconds.

Back in the peloton, Lars Van dern Berg crashes – the speed is taking its toll – but he’s the only rider down. It could have been more.

28km to go: It’s fascinating watching the four main pursuers, with Powless – what a Tour he’s having – on the attack, Mahoric pushing strongly, and 19 seconds up the road Jorgenson continues to look composed. There’s about 17km of these undulating roads to come before climbing in earnest starts. The main pursuers are more than a minute back now.

33km to go: Weariness and mistakes creeping in as we near the climax, and a pursuing group of four – Burgaudeau, Mohoric, De La Cruz and Powless – develops behind Jorgenson, who’s 18 seconds or so in front. Woods is suddenly isolated and in a tough spot, with the original chasing group now with it all to do. The peloton is 14 minutes back now with the race segmented into four groups.

37km to go : Jorgenson rips further ahead to stretch his lead to 36 seconds as he seeks to get some distance established before the gruelling climactic climb starts. He has his teammate Izagirre back in the pursuing group who may be of assistance further up the road. Mahoric, Campenaerts and Woods also looking lively among the pursuers, from whom Boivin has been dropped.

43km to go: Boivin, who started all these fun and games a while back, is now toiling and separated from the front group. At the front of that break group though, Jorgenson sprints out alone. He has a gap of around 20 seconds on his pursuers. No one joins him though, which might not be his ideal scenario, others sparing themselves for the climb.

The peloton is now more than 13 minutes back. Two races beckon, at least.

48km to go: Jorgenson, Woods, Lutsenko, Gregaard and Burgaudeau (two of whom have suffered mishaps earlier in the form of a puncture and a wasp sting) lead a break from the front. They don’t have much on their pursuers though and they regroup. But they’re restless, and Mohoric looks keen to go again. So when will this fragmentation come? Campenaerts is currently at the front.

In other news – it’s on!

Another KOTM point for Powless

54km to go: Campenaertsand Mohoric launch what seems to be a coordinated attack, before Powless is ushered through for another two polka dot points. Campenaerts takes the other one. But a bit of cat and mouse emerging now among the lead group.

57km to go: Boivin is reeled in as a climb gets steeper. This could string out the break group, and maybe dump a few. But climbers of the calibre of De La Cruz are towards the back of the group so don’t count on it. One result of all that is the peloton is more than 12 minutes behind now. Cats are at least being put among pigeons. Powless currently leads the break group, anticipating adding to his points tally shortly.

59km to go: Israel-Premier Tech’s Guillaume Boivin launches an attack from the front group, opening up a 15-second gap as we prepare for the next, category three, climn, the Cote de Pontaumur. Quite an early move, given what lies ahead. Too early? We shall see.

65km to go: It’s just been pointed out on TV comms that Jorgenson holds the climber record on the Puy de Dome. He may have come off second best against that wasp but he’s in the break group and knows the terrain. Today’s winner?

The peloton’s now as far back as it’s been today, at more than 11 and a half minutes.

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Michael Woods: "I was the most marked man"

“I’m proud of myself and proud my team. It’s special to win here. I’m 36 years old, turning 37 this year, I’m not getting any younger. I’m 36, turning 37 this year. To win a Tour de France stage was my ultimate goal and I could see the window closing on to me. That was the goal. I wish I could say this victory today was planned but how the cards played, I was the most marked man. I had to be patient and not thinking about the win when I was racing behind Jorgenson. I wasn’t thinking of catching him but only to give the best of myself. It’s very similar to the win I got at La Vuelta in 2018: very fast start, lots of team attacking before the final steep climb and I made it at the end despite the suffering. It’s a dream come true. The great people I have around, starting with my wife and kids, made it possible.”

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Tour de France 2023: 'This man has dominated' - Michael Woods wins Stage 9 atop Puy de Dome

Michael Woods (Israel-Premier Tech) conquered the Puy de Dome to win Stage 9 at the 2023 Tour de France. Stream the 2023 Tour de France and Giro d'Italia Donne live and on-demand on discovery+ and eurosport.co.uk

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Michael Woods on Winning Stage 9: “It’s nothing less than a dream come true.“

Canadian cyclist Michael Woods couldn’t contain his joy following his lone triumph on the ninth stage of the Tour de France, culminating at Puy de Dôme. Woods referred to it as the pinnacle of his cycling career.

Riding for Israel-Premier Tech, the Canadian climber was among a large breakaway pack that established a commanding lead of over ten minutes, leading up to the iconic climb in the Auvergne region.

After trailing some breakaway remnants, Woods managed his stamina and steadily outpaced his adversaries, including Neilson Powless (EF Education-Easy Post) and Matej Mohorič (Bahrain Victorious).

Ultimately, Woods overtook Matteo Jorgenson (Movistar), soloing his way to the finish line.

“My career ambition was this very achievement. Undoubtedly, it is the most significant victory in my cycling career,” shared Woods. “As I approach 37 this year, I felt the opportunity to win a Tour stage was dwindling.

“But achieving a stage win now, it’s nothing less than a dream come true. I’m exceptionally proud and incredibly thankful.”

Initially trailing on the lower inclines, Woods had to make a monumental effort to rejoin the race lead, thus, the victory was far from guaranteed. He confessed that clinching the ninth stage was one of his long-standing aspirations.

🏔 𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐄𝐋 𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐒 🇨🇦 #TDF2023 pic.twitter.com/nP8FoPYDXi — Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 10, 2023

“Indeed, that was the goal [to win the stage],” he revealed. “You dream about it, of course. I’d never claimed a stage at the Tour before, so it wasn’t a sure thing by any means.”

The much-awaited return of the Tour to Puy de Dôme attracted enormous roadside crowds, making Woods’ ascent up the legendary climb even more unforgettable.

“The noise was overwhelming,” he recalled. “When I was about five kilometres away, the sheer number of fans, right before the barriers began, was astounding. It was so loud, and then suddenly there was silence around the four-kilometre mark.

“I was left alone with my thoughts, looking up the road, and methodically overtaking one rider after another. It was a unique mental experience and incredibly exciting to go through.”

“The climb is just extraordinary,” he further noted. “You can spot it from a significant distance during the approach. Its uniqueness comes from the absence of fans, which reminded me of the Covid-era races from a few years back.

“It’s a truly picturesque climb, and simultaneously, one of the toughest stages you could possibly attempt.”

Stage 9 results

• Michael Woods, Israel-Premier Tech, 04:19:41
• Pierre Latour, TotalEnergies, +0:28
• Matej Mohoric, Bahrain Victorious, +0:35
• Matteo Jorgenson, Movistar Team, +0:35
• Clément Berthet, AG2R Citroën Team, +0:55
• Neilson Powless, EF Education-EasyPost, +1:23
• Alexey Lutsenko, Astana Qazaqstan Team, +1:39
• Jonas Gregaard, Uno-X Pro Cycling Team, +1:58
• Mathieu Burgaudeau, TotalEnergies, +2:16
• David De La Cruz, Astana Qazaqstan Team, +2:34

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Michael Woods , a 36-year-old climber from the Ontario area, will be competing in the Tour de France for the fourth time. He made his debut in 2019 and returned in 2021 and 2022.

2023 Tour de France

As a climbing specialist, he has his eyes on the King of the Mountains tag and the polka dot jersey earned by the rider who earns the most points on the mountain stages. 

In 2019, Woods finished 32nd in the general classification. His best stage performance was a sixth-place effort on stage 2. He was 15th overall in the mountains classification.

Plagued from the start by crashes and injuries at the Tour de France, Woods finished the 2019 race with two broken ribs suffered from crashes on Stage 11 and Stage 12.

In 2021, he finished third on Stage 8 and fifth on Stage 14. He left after Stage 18 and turned his focus to being at his best for the Olympics in Tokyo.

Prior to leaving, he did become the first Canadian to wear the polka-dot jersey , which he claimed after overcoming a crash on Stage 14.

At the 2022 event, he suffered a crash on Stage 9 and rode injured through the rest of the event.

He had a best finish of third on Stage 16 (won by teammate Hugo Houle), but bad luck struck again shortly after – Woods tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to withdraw after Stage 20, just shy of the celebratory and traditional finish in Paris.

Heading into the 2023 Tour de France , Woods is sharp and coming off a recent win at the four-stage La Route d'Occitanie on June 18, which he won for the second consecutive year. Each victory there included winning the third stage on the way to topping the standings in the general classification.

Woods’ Israel-Premier Tech teammate Chris Froome has won the Tour de France four times and is looking to join some of the sport’s most elite company with a fifth win.

In 2022, fellow Canadian and Israel-Premier Tech rider Hugo Houle became the first Canadian rider since 1988 to win a stage of the Tour de France. He won Stage 16 and finished 23rd overall for the year.

The 2023 Tour de France will be the 110th edition of the famed race, which first was contested in 1903.

The 21-stage journey across France, and often parts of neighboring countries, has become the most prestigious annual cycling event and traditionally features more than 20 of the best teams (nearly 200 of the top riders in the world).

A UCI WorldTour event, the 2023 Tour de France will begin July 1 in Bilbao, Spain, and send competitors on a trek of more than 3,400 kilometers, testing them across a variety of terrains – hills, mountains and flat countryside.

The final day (July 23) will start at France’s national velodrome in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, the track cycling venue for the 2024 Olympics. And, as has been the tradition since 1975, the race will conclude on the Champs-Elysées in Paris.

Riders will be rewarded for their success across each stage and the terrain within, recognized daily with different colored jerseys for the top performers – green (leader in stage points), white (best time for riders under 25) and polka dot (King of the Mountains/best climber).

The most coveted and recognizable jersey at the Tour de France is the yellow one, worn each day by the overall leader based on total time across all stages. 

Across the 21 stages and the overall final standings, riders also will be competing for more than €2,300,000 ($2.5 million) in prize money.

The defending champion at the Tour de France is Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard. Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar won the previous two times (2020, 2021).

The Tour de France coverage on FloBikes will be available live for viewers in Canada from July 1 to July 23.

Viewers can catch the action as it unfolds and come back anytime to revisit their favorite moments via the archived full replays.

All FloSports subscribers will be able to enjoy daily news and video coverage, highlights, extended highlights and more.

More To Know About Michael Woods:

Michael Woods Didn’t Set Out To Be A Cyclist

Like many Canadians, Michael Woods grew up with a passion for ice hockey, but his smaller stature meant he probably didn’t have the size for the physicality of his favorite sport.

He then turned his attention to running and excelled through the high school and the youth ranks, went to the University of Michigan on a track scholarship and eventually got within sight of the Olympics, before frequent injuries cut that dream short, too.

After borrowing a bike and riding just to get back into shape, and running not a viable long-term option, Woods immersed himself into cycling and learning to race competitively – at age 25.

Fun fact: Woods is the only person to have officially run a sub-4-minute mile and finish the Tour de France.

Michael Woods’ First Grand Tour Stage Victory Was An Emotional One

Woods’ first Grand Tour stage win came on Stage 17 of the 2018 Vuelta a Espana, a race that ended with an insanely steep climb and far-from-ideal visibility as the racers approached the finish line.

Woods navigated his way through the chaos and crossed the finish line in honor of his son, Hunter, who was stillborn two months prior. 

From the devastating circumstances to one of the toughest physical challenges he may ever experience, Woods believed in the moment that his son helped him to the finish line.

The 2018 Season Was A Memorable One For Michael Woods

Along with his success at Vuelta a Espana, Woods added a third-place finish at the 2018 UCI Road World Championships. He became the first Canadian man to medal in that event in more than three decades.

The performance also helped Woods’ status in Canada, as the prestige of the World Championships was more relatable for Canadian sports fans, who weren’t as familiar with the nuances of cycling.

Everyone Understands The Olympics, And Woods Has Been There Twice

Michael Woods joined Team Canada for the Olympics in 2016 (Rio de Janeiro) and 2021 (Tokyo).

In 2016, Woods finished 55th and was the only one of the three Canadian riders credited with finishing the 241.5-kilometer race.

In 2021, following a sprint finish for the silver and bronze medals, Woods settled for fifth place in the 234-kilometer one-day race. He was joined in the effort by fellow Canadians Guillaume Boivin (65th) and Hugo Houle (85th).

2023 UCI Individual World Rankings

In the most recent UCI Individual World Rankings, Michael Woods ranked 112th. The highest-ranking Canadian rider is Derek Gee at No. 52. 

Here are the top 5:  

1. Tadej Pogačar, Slovenia 2. Remco Evenepoel, Belgium 3. Wout Van Aert, Belgium 4. Jonas Vingegaard, Denmark 5. Mads Pedersen, Denmark

*Houle is No. 214.

How To Watch 2023 Tour de France In Canada

The 2023 Tour de France starts July 1 and will run through July 23.

STREAMING:  Canadian fans can watch the 2023 Tour de France on FloBikes. SIGN UP HERE .

On Your TV:  Now Available on Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast and Apple TV.

Cast: Cast to your smart TV, including Vizio, Samsung and LG TVs.

On The Go:  Download the FloSports app on iOS or Android.

Archived Footage

Video footage from the event will be archived and stored in a video library for FloBikes subscribers in Canada to watch for the duration of their subscription.

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• Feature Story
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• Summer Sports

Tour de France stage winner Michael Woods of Ottawa headlines 2023 Montreal Grand Prix

161 athletes from 23 teams are set to wind their way around iconic mount royal.

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Tour de France stage winner Michael Woods will headline 2023 Montreal Grand Prix cycling race on Sunday.

A total of 161 competitors representing 23 teams are set to wind their way around iconic Mount Royal to wrap up a 430-kilometre event that also included Friday's race in Quebec City.

Woods, who's from Ottawa, will be joined by the likes of rising star Arnaud De Lie. The 21-year-old Belgian took first in the provincial capital Friday, winning the 201.6-kilometre race in a time of four hours 47 minutes 39 seconds for his first-ever World Tour win.

Also slated to take part Sunday is Hugo Houle of Sainte-Perpetue, Que. Both Woods and Houle race for the Israel-Premier Tech team, which is led by director Steve Bauer — the first Canadian to win a Tour stage back in 1988.

WATCH | Woods wins stage 9 at Tour de France:

Ottawa's Woods captures stage 9 win at Tour de France

Montreal was recently given the the UCI Bike City label — a designation that rewards cities and regions that, in addition to hosting major events on the UCI International Calendar, invest in the development and promotion of cycling.

The city will host the 2026 UCI Road World Championships.

"I'm proud to say that this event will be held in Montreal, because Montreal loves cycling," Valerie Plante, the city's mayor, said Saturday. "We always have, and we show that every day through the number of citizens who use cycling as a way to relax, to stay active and even to get to work and school.

"It's definitely a great point of pride for us."

• Phyllis Ellis, ex-field hockey player, cyclist Mike Woods receive Canadian Sport Awards
• 'I finally did it': Ottawa's Michael Woods wins 9th stage of Tour de France

The event, which will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Olympic Games, will be specially designed to share the city's Games heritage to those watching around the world.

"Our young people will always need role models who can provide them with inspiration and courage to shine in competition or simply to achieve new personal bests," Quebec sports minister Isabelle Charest said.

"At the UCI Road World Championships in 2026, just as in Quebec City and Montreal this weekend, they will get an up-close and personal look at phenomenal athletes who have made sport and the pursuit of excellence their life's mission."

Related Stories

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• Michael Woods of Ottawa leads French cycling race La Route d'Occitanie
• More cycling coverage

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Rider Profile

Michael woods.

Israel-Premier Tech

Personal Details:

Teams history:.

• 2024 - Israel-Premier Tech
• 2023 - Israel-Premier Tech
• 2022 - Israel-Premier Tech
• 2021 - Israel Start–Up Nation
• 2020 - EF Pro Cycling
• 2019 - EF Education First
• 2018 - EF Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale
• 2017 - Cannondale-Drapac
• 2016 - Cannondale-Drapac
• 2015 - Canada
• 2014 - Canada

Climbing star Michael Woods, born October 12, 1986 in Toronto, Canada, turned professional in 2013 at the age of 26 with a Continental team Quebec after making a switch from middle-distance running following a series of injuries. 

He claimed his first major result with a stage 5 victory at the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah in 2015 with Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies, his fourth Continental team across four seasons. He called that uphill win in Salt Lake City one that “certainly changed my cycling career and my life”.

Woods then moved into the WorldTour the next year with the Slipstream team Cannondale, where he rode for the next five seasons. In 2016 he finished fifth overall at Santos Tour Down Under and second at Milano-Torino. He claimed his first GC top 10 placing in a Grand Tour with seventh in the 2017 Vuelta a España, finishing third on a mountaintop finish too Alto de Puig Llorença on stage 9.

In 2018, he clinched a second place in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, third in the Road World Championships and his first-ever Grand Tour stage win, a summit finish in the Vuelta at the Balcon de Bizkaia. In 2019 he finished his first Tour de France, without much fanfare, and later scored a victory in the Italian autumn Classic Milano-Torino and was second at Giro dell’Emilia. The Canadian followed that in 2020 with a stage in Tirreno-Adriatico, another stage win in the Vuelta and third at La Flèche Wallonne.

In 2021, his first year with Israel Start-Up Nation, he enjoyed one of his best seasons yet, winning stages at the Tour du Var and Tour de Romandie. He also managed to find his way into the top five at La Flèche Wallonne, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Tour de Suisse, the Tour of Britain and the Tokyo Olympics road race.

In 2022 he claimed his first-ever stage race overall, the Route d'Occitanie in France, and returned to defend his title the next season. 

Crashes and injuries have marred three Tour de France performances, but in 2023 he broke onto the winner’s spot atop the mythical ascent to Puy de Dôme.

Key Results 2023

🥇 Stage win at Tour de France

🥇 One stage and GC at La Route d'Occitanie

🥈 CIC - Mont Ventoux

🥇 One stage at Gran Camiño

🥈 Mercan'Tour Classic Alpes-Maritimes

🥈 GC, points classification and mountains classification at Gran Camiño

🥇 One stage of Tour de Romandie

🥇 Mountains classification at Tour de Suisse

🥇 One stage at Tour des Alpes Maritimes

🥈 GC and points classification at Tour des Alpes Maritimes

🥉 Giro dell’Emilia

🥉 One stage at Tour de France

Fifth Olympic Games road race

🥇 One stage at Vuelta a España

🥇 One stage of Tirreno-Adriatico

🥈 Two stages at Vuelta a España

🥉 La Flèche Wallonne

🥇 Milano-Torino

🥈 Giro dell'Emilia

🥉 GC at Herald Sun Tour

🥈 Liège - Bastogne - Liège

🥈 One stage at Giro d’Italia

🥉 World Championships road race

🥈 Gran Premio Miguel Indurain

🥉 One stage at Vuelta a España 

2016 🥇 One stage at Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah

🥈 Milano-Torino

🥈 One stage and GC at Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah

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Raised in the capital of Canada (Ottawa, Ontario), Mike Woods grew up with a pair of skates on his feet and a hockey stick in his hand. His dreams of being a pro hockey player though, like his diminutive stature, were short lived. By high school, Woods found that his 5’9′ 135lbs frame was better suited for the running track than the skating rink.

Through hard work and natural talent he established himself as one of the best runners in Canada. Breaking records in the under 20 mile and 3km and winning the Pan American jr. Games 1500m. Woods to this day claims the title of having run the fastest mile on Canadian soil, by a Canadian (3:57.48). With his successes on the track, Woods earned a full scholarship at the University of Michigan, where he graduated in 2008 with an undergraduate degree in English.

Running Results

• Canadian Record Holder in U-20 Mile & 3000m
• 5x Canadian National Champion
• 2006 – top 50 World Ranking in 1500m
• 2006 – Big Ten Indoor Mile Champion
• 2005 – Pan American Junior Champion & 1500m Record holder
• 2005 – Canadian Jr Track & Field Athlete of the Year
• Fastest Mile run by a Canadian on Canadian soil

During his time at Michigan, Woods quickly rose up the ranks in the American Collegiate system, and, at the age of 19, earned a top 50 world ranking in the 1500m. However, his quick rise was followed by an even greater fall. Through poor guidance, diet, and over-training Woods suffered a series of stress fractures to his left navicular bone, ultimately forcing him out of the sport. Despite several comeback attempts, Woods would finally hang up his shoes after breaking his foot for the final time in the fall of 2011.

Throughout his battle with stress fractures, Woods found himself turning increasingly to the bike as a source of cross training and stress relief. “I used to steal my dad’s bike and go for rides when I was injured. It was cathartic and filled this hole left behind from running” says Woods, who would soon find himself, on the insistence of friends, entering local group rides and races. It did not take Woods long to realize his potential in the sport and, at the age of 25, he decided to make one final push at being a pro athlete, this time as a cyclist.

In the span of four years Woods fought the odds, overcame setback and injuries, and established himself as one of the top climbers in North America. In 2015 he wore yellow at the Tour of Utah, and claimed his first professional victory in the race’s 5th stage. This result, along with several others, earned him a spot on the 2016 Cannondale Pro Cycling team, making Woods, at 29, one of the oldest neo pros in cycling history.

Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var

Volta a catalunya, itzulia basque country dnf, amstel gold race, la flèche wallonne, liège–bastogne–liège, tour de romandie, tour de suisse, tour de france dnf, tokyo 2020 olympic games, tour of britain, giro dell'emilia, milano - torino, il lombardia, team homecoming camp, team camp - girona, vuelta a andalucia ruta ciclista del sol dnf, gran camiño, volta ciclista a catalunya dnf, itzulia pays basque, liège-bastogne-liège, mercan'tour classic alpes-maritimes, mont ventoux dénivelé challenge, la route d'occitanie - la dépêche du midi, donostia san sebastian klasikoa, la vuelta ciclista a españa dnf, giro dell'emilia dnf, tre valli varesine dnf, il lombardia dnf, faun-ardèche classic, faun drôme classic dnf, tirreno-adriatico, volta ciclista a catalunya, amstel gold race dnf, tour de france, grand prix cycliste de québec, grand prix cycliste de montréal, tour du luxembourg, tre valli varesine, classic var, gran premio miguel indurain dnf, classic grand besançon doubs, tour du jura cycliste, giro d'italia, in the news, michael woods—a sub-4 minute miler—just won a tour de france stage .

• 'I finally did it': Ottawa's Michael Woods wins 9th stage of Tour de France by AP - CBC ( 09 Jul 2023 )
• Ottawa cyclist Michael Woods wins La Route d'Occitanie for 2nd straight year CBC ( 18 Jun 2023 )
• Michael Woods: I’ve made some mistakes coming back too soon by Rebecca Reza - velonews.com ( 04 Oct 2022 )
• Bitterly Disappointed Michael Woods Withdraws From Tour De France After Stage 20, Prepares For Quarantine FloBikes ( 24 Jul 2022 )
• Michael Woods wins 2022 Route d'Occitanie by Jackie Tyson - Cycling News ( 26 Jun 2022 )
• Route d'Occitanie: Michael Woods climbs to victory on stage 3 and takes GC lead Cycling News ( 18 Jun 2022 )
• The Michael Woods Episode by Georgia Mahoney - Cycling Talk Podcast ( 11 Feb 2022 )
• Michael Woods on Israel-Premier Tech: ‘This is Canada’s team’ by Andrew Hood - velonews.com ( 13 Jan 2022 )
• Woods: I don't see myself as a veteran but I don't feel like an impostor by Daniel Ostanek - Cycling News ( 19 Dec 2021 )
• Michael Woods: ‘I felt like an imposter when I first turned pro’ (paywall) by Sadhbh O'Shea - velonews.com ( 09 Nov 2021 )
• Michael Woods: I want people in pro cycling to be more environmentally conscious by Stephen Farrand - Cycling News ( 07 Nov 2021 )
• Canadian cyclist Michael Woods just misses podium after gruelling 234-km ride by Jamie Strashin - CBC Sports ( 24 Jul 2021 )
• Tour de France: Michael Woods crashes in the breakaway but takes polka-dot jersey Cycling News ( 10 Jul 2021 )
• Garneau Launches 'Rusty' Woods Limited Edition Shoe Canadian Cyclist ( 06 Jul 2021 )
• Michael Woods stinging with regret after missing shot at Flèche Wallonne top steps by Simone Giuliani - cyclingnews.com ( 21 Apr 2021 )
• Michael Woods withdraws from Itzulia Basque Country following stage 3 crash cyclingnews.com ( 08 Apr 2021 )
• Mike Woods is 'All in For The Olympics' in 2021 by Dane cash - Cycling Tips ( 05 Apr 2021 )
• Michael Woods out of Tirreno-Adriatico with illness but determined to feature in Ardennes by Daniel Benson - cyclingnews.com ( 09 Mar 2021 )
• VeloNews exclusive: Michael Woods on his opening race with Israel Start-Up Nation velonews.com ( 23 Feb 2021 )
• Mike Woods' new Factor Ostro VAM Disc cyclingnews.com ( 19 Feb 2021 )
• El orgullo de Canadá listo para un nuevo capítulo bicigoga.com ( 26 Jan 2021 )
• Mike Woods says older riders can still compete with young stars like Tadej Pogačar and Marc Hirschi Cycling Weekly ( 20 Jan 2021 )
• Mike Woods Signs with Inspire Athlete Management linkedin.com ( 13 Jan 2021 )
• Vuelta a España: Michael Woods wins stage 7 cyclingnews.com ( 27 Oct 2020 )
• Woods' win at Tirreno-Adriatico hints at form for World Championships cyclingnews.com ( 09 Sep 2020 )
• Michael Woods: ‘The crash was so traumatic, I’m still impacted by it’ Cycling Weekly ( 19 Jul 2020 )
• Virtual win offers real encouragement for Woods after injury cyclingnews.com ( 18 Jul 2020 )
• How Michael Woods transitioned from a runner to a WorldTour bike racer (paywall) VeloNews.com ( 08 Jul 2020 )
• Michael Woods’ journey from a broken leg to a brand-new mindset VeloNews.com ( 02 Jun 2020 )
• Recovering Woods finds motivation in postponed Tokyo Olympics cyclingnews.com ( 09 Apr 2020 )
• Racing thoughts: Professional cycling and mental health cyclingnews.com ( 27 Mar 2020 )
• Michael Woods: «La vie est belle!» La Presse ( 26 Mar 2020 )
• Woods sustains broken femur in Paris-Nice crash cyclingnews.com ( 12 Mar 2020 )
• Woods targets World Championships, Olympics and a Monument – Q&A cyclingnews.com ( 05 Mar 2020 )
• Michael Woods: I'm not doing this forever, so I'm trying to enjoy every moment cyclingnews.com ( 04 Dec 2019 )
• Woods: I feel like a pro cyclist after the Tour de France cyclingnews.com ( 12 Sep 2019 )
• Player's Own Voice podcast: Michael Woods on how to make peace with pain CBC Sports ( 27 Aug 2019 )
• Q&A with Michael Woods on the trials and triumphs from his debut Tour de France Canadian Cycling Magazine ( 01 Aug 2019 )
• The first man to run a sub-4-minute mile and finish the Tour de France cyclingtips.com ( 28 Jul 2019 )
• Michael Woods breaks two ribs in Tour de France crash Canadian Cycling Magazine ( 18 Jul 2019 )
• A Former Competitive Runner Is Shining at the Tour de France. We Have Questions Runner's World ( 15 Jul 2019 )
• On your bike! How Canadian cyclist Michael Woods went from breaking running records to riding in the Tour de France Daily Mail Online ( 04 Jul 2019 )
• Michael Woods: ‘I want Canadian fans to see a Canadian at the front of the best race in the world’ Canadian Cycling Magazine ( 02 Jul 2019 )
• Michael Woods: How personal tragedy inspired Canadian cyclist's greatest success bbc.com ( 20 Jun 2019 )
• Woods renews with EF Education First cyclingnews.com ( 14 Mar 2019 )
• Michael Woods: 2018 is a year I'll cherish but one I'll cry about in years to come cyclingnews.com ( 21 Nov 2018 )
• Mike Woods achieves rare Canadian cycling feat at road race worlds CBC Sports ( 30 Sep 2018 )
• Meet the Guy Who Started Racing Bikes and Reached the World Tour 3 Years Later Bicycling Magazine ( 18 Sep 2018 )
• Vuelta stage 17: Tearful Woods dedicates win to lost son velonews.com ( 12 Sep 2018 )
• Despite recent crash, Canada's Mike Woods ready for second crack at Spanish Vuelta The Canadian Press ( 24 Aug 2018 )
• Trading spikes for spokes, Michael Woods finds a career in professional cycling Michigan Daily ( 20 Jun 2018 )
• MICHAEL WOODS - The Entertainer innervoice ( 01 Jun 2018 )
• Woods lights up Zoncolan with big attack ( 19 May 2018 )
• Giro d'Italia: Woods suffers illness, crashes but battles on cyclingnews.com ( 17 May 2018 )
• Woods aiming to give Canadians someone to cheer for again at Giro d’Italia cyclingnews.com ( 28 Apr 2018 )
• Woods sheds newbie status on Liège podium velonews.com ( 23 Apr 2018 )
• Woods aims to become more complete rider as Giro bid looms velonews.com ( 17 Jan 2018 )
• Mike Woods Interview - A Breakthrough Year canadiancyclist.com ( 03 Nov 2017 )
• Woods returns to Cannondale for two more years VeloNews.com ( 10 Sep 2017 )
• Michael Woods amazing Vuelta ride has him contemplating future GC ambitions Canadian Cycling Magazine ( 04 Sep 2017 )
• Canadian cyclist Michael Woods having the race of his life in Spain The Globe and Mail ( 01 Sep 2017 )
• Michael Woods: ‘I’m pinching myself sitting on Froome’s wheel’ cyclingweekly.com ( 26 Aug 2017 )
• Cannondale-Drapac believes Woods can deliver the Vuelta goods VeloNews.com ( 24 Aug 2017 )
• The running man heads to the Vuelta a Espana - Q&A with Michael Woods cyclingnews.com ( 18 Aug 2017 )
• A sub-4-minute miler at age 18, Rusty Woods is now lighting up pro cycling at age 30 businessinsider.com ( 25 May 2017 )
• Cannondale’s Woods makes big splash in WorldTour debut velonews.com ( 22 Jan 2016 )
• Elite runner-turned-cyclist Woods making good on talent velonews.com ( 08 Aug 2015 )

Michael Woods announces commitment to 2021 carbon neutral season 3

Photo gallery, la route d'occitanie 2023 - 47th edition - 3rd stage gimont - nistos 189km - 17/06/2023 - michael woods (can - israel - premier tech) - photo luis angel gomez/sprintcyclingagency©2023.

Tour de France 2021 - 108th Edition - 14th stage Carcassonne - Quillan 183,7 km - 10/07/2021 - Michael Woods (NZL - Israel Start-Up Nation) - photo Dion Kerckhoffs/CV/BettiniPhoto©2021

La Route d’Occitanie 2022 - 46th Edition - 4th stage Les Angles - Auterive 188.3 km - 19/06/2022 - Michael Woods (CAN - Israel - Premier Tech) - photo Luis Angel Gomez/SprintCyclingAgency©2022

Gran Camino 2022 - 1st Edition - 3rd stage Maceda - Luintra 148,7 km - 26/02/2022 - Michael Woods (CAN - Israel - Premier Tech) - photo Luis Angel Gomez/SprintCyclingAgency©2022

Gran Camino 2022 - 1st Edition - 2nd stage Bertamirans - Mirador do Ezaro 182 km - 25/02/2022 - Michael Woods (CAN - Israel - Premier Tech) - photo Luis Angel Gomez/SprintCyclingAgency©2022

Garneau Course Air Lite XZ- Mike Woods

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Is There A Spot For Mike Woods II On Browns 2024 Roster?

Will there be a place for the former 6th-round pick as he returns from a season long injury in 2023?

• Author: Anthony Moeglin

In this story:

Michael Woods II was selected in the sixth-round of the 2022 NFL Draft and had potential to be a diamond in the rough type of a prospect.

In his rookie season, he was not much of a factor at all, only hauling in five catches for 45 yards in a year that the Browns never really got going. While he was poised to find an increased role and try to work his way onto the field in 2023, he unfortunately tore his achilles and was put on the shelf before the 2023 season.

2024 is his last chance to make his mark on the Cleveland Browns and he has a good chance to do just that.

Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio, left, celebrates a TD catch with receiver Michael Woods II

Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK

In a crowded receiver room, Woods will be behind the likes of Amari Cooper , Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore but will have an opportunity to compete for that fifth spot behind whoever Cleveland picks in the draft.

In 2022, Ken Dorsey's last full season as the offensive coordinator in Buffalo, he called upon all of the Bills receivers to make an impact. That year, seven different players had over 100 yards receiving and 18 total guys made a catch. Dorsey will rely on any and everyone in that room to make a difference.

Woods brings an element of speed to the table that is frankly matched only by Jerry Jeudy. In his college career he finished with 1,648 yards and 12 touchdowns, while playing for Arkansas and Oklahoma.

He'll get one more chance in Cleveland in 2024, with a prime opportunity to show that he can make it in this league.

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Trending Teams

Charlie woods, cameron kuchar miss in u.s. open local qualifying.

• Golf Channel Staff ,
• Golf Channel Staff

A few notable sons tried to make their way out of U.S. Open local qualifying on Thursday but none were successful.

Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of three-time U.S. Open winner Tiger Woods, shot 9-over 81 in the 18-hole qualifier at The Legacy Golf & Tennis Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, with three double bogeys, four bogeys and a birdie.

The field had 74 players complete the full round. The top five advanced to the final stage of qualifying, which begins May 20.

Cameron Kuchar, son of nine-time PGA Tour winner Matt Kuchar, made it to finals last year but didn’t get through locals this time around. The 17-year-old shot 82 with six bogeys and two doubles at The Legacy.

Michael Buttacavoli was medalist with a 3-under 69. Austin Lemieux, the 28-year-old son of hockey legend Mario Lemiuex, was 3 under par through seven holes but finished with a 1-over 73. He bogeyed his last hole to miss out on a playoff for the final spot.

There are 109 local qualifying sites , held from April 22 – May 20. Final qualifying will be contested over 13 sites, including three international and 10 in the U.S. The U.S. Open will be held June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2 in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Tiger Woods is not yet qualified for the men’s third major of the year after his exemption from winning the 2019 Masters expired. The 2000, ’02 and ’08 champion is, however, expected to be given a special invitation. Matt Kuchar isn’t yet qualified, either.

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy to receive lucrative PGA Tour payouts for spurning LIV Golf

S ome of golf ’s biggest names, headlined by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy , will reportedly be eligible to receive lucrative equity payouts for remaining loyal to the PGA Tour amid competition from the LIV Golf League.

Tiger can net upwards of $100 million in equity, per the Telegraph, thanks to PGA Tour Enterprises — a for-profit branch devoted to commercializing golf . PGA Tour Enterprises was created earlier this year as part of a $3 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group, a consortium of American sports owners including Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen. LeBron James and Drake are celebrity investors .

Rory McIlroy is set to receive about $50 million for sticking with the PGA Tour. Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are in line for $30 million, according to the initial report.

Tiger, McIlroy, Spieth, and Thomas are among the many PGA Tour members to be unsuccessfully recruited by LIV Golf, which is financially supported by the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

(In 2025, McIlroy and Woods are co-launching a tech-driven golf league in partnership with the PGA Tour.)

Nearly 200 players will receive an equity stake. $750 million will be divided amongst the top 36 players based on a formula factoring in on-course achievement and off-course popularity. $75 million will be allotted to notable retired golfers.

Players must remain loyal to the PGA Tour for the next eight years to receive the vested money. The PGA Tour plans to offer $100 million annually in fresh equity. Other grants and aggregate equity will be doled out based on performance and impact metrics.

On June 6, 2023, Monahan and PIF chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan announced a framework agreement to unite the golf circuits (and the DP World Tour) and set a Dec. 31 deadline to hammer out the details. Talks have stalled as viewership has waned .

After holding out for nearly two years, Jon Rahm accepted a $500 million bag from LIV last fall. He has since admitted to believing unification was imminent when he surrendered his PGA Tour status.

McIlroy left the PGA Tour Policy Board in the fall, citing a desire to refocus on golf. However, just this week, McIlroy surprisingly announced a return, in place of Webb Simpson.

“We obviously realize the game is not unified right now for a reason, and there’s still some hard feelings and things that need to be addressed,” McIlroy said ahead of the Zurich Classic in New Orleans on Wednesday. “But I think at this point, for the good of the game, we all need to put those feelings aside and all move forward together.”

A week before the Masters, Tiger Woods, the Vice President of PGA Tour Enterprises, hosted a meeting in the Bahamas with Monahan, Al-Rumayyan, Spieth, other PGA Tour player directors, and SSG reps.

Last week, Rory McIlroy squashed rumors he was jumping the Shark to LIV for $850 million.

“I’ve never been offered a number from LIV, and I’ve never contemplated going to LIV. I think I’ve made it clear over the past two years: I don’t think it’s something for me. Doesn’t mean that I judge people that have went and played over there.

“I think one of the things that I’ve realized over the past two years is people can make their own decisions for whatever they think is best for themselves. Who are we to judge them for that? Personally, for me, my future is here on the PGA Tour, and it’s never been any different.”

A deal with PIF should only increase the value of the PGA Tour equity stakes.

Like ClutchPoints’ content? Be sure to follow us.

The post Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy to receive lucrative PGA Tour payouts for spurning LIV Golf appeared first on ClutchPoints .

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2024 Zurich Classic odds, field: Surprising PGA picks, predictions by model that's nailed 11 majors

Sportsline's proven model simulated the zurich classic of new orleans 2024 10,000 times and revealed its pga golf picks.

Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay look to reclaim some team magic when they pair back up for the 2024 Zurich Classic. The PGA Tour's yearly team event tees off Thursday at TPC Louisiana in New Orleans, and 80 two-man teams will be in attendance for tee off on Thursday. Schauffele and Cantlay were the winning duo back in 2022 and they are the 5-1 favorites on the 2024 Zurich Classic odds board. Should you back this pair of California natives with your 2024 Zurich Classic picks? Or should you back Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry at 8-1 odds?

Will Zalatoris and Sahith Theegala are listed at 11-1 in the lastest 2024 Zurich Classic odds, and Collin Morkiawa and Kurt Kitayama follow at 16-1. Defending Zurich Classic champions Nick Hardy and David Riley are 80-1 longshots to have repeat success. Before making any 2024 Zurich Classic picks, be sure t o see the golf predictions and projected leaderboard from the proven computer model at SportsLine .

Our proprietary model, built by DFS pro Mike McClure, has been red-hot since the PGA Tour resumed in June of 2020. In fact, the model is up more than $9,000 on its best bets since the restart, nailing tournament after tournament.

McClure's model correctly predicted Scottie Scheffler would finish on top of the leaderboard at the 2024 Masters, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Players Championship, and the RBC Heritage this season. McClure also included Hideki Matsuyama in his best bets to win the 2024 Genesis Invitational. That bet hit at +9000, and for the entire tournament, McClure's best bets returned nearly $1,000.

The model also predicted Jon Rahm would be victorious at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions and The American Express. At the 2023 Masters, the model was all over Rahm's second career major victory heading into the weekend. Rahm was two strokes off the lead heading into the third round, but the model still projected him as the winner. It was the second straight Masters win for the model, which also nailed Scheffler winning in 2022.

In addition, McClure's best bets included Nick Taylor (70-1) winning the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, Jason Day (17-1) winning outright at the 2023 AT&T Byron Nelson, and Rickie Fowler (14-1) finishing on top of the leaderboard at the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic.

This same model has also nailed a whopping 11 majors entering the weekend and hit the Masters three straight years. Anyone who has followed it has seen massive returns.

Now that the Zurich Classic 2024 field is finalized, SportsLine simulated the tournament 10,000 times, and the results were surprising. Head to SportsLine now to see the projected leaderboard .

Top 2024 Zurich Classic predictions 

One major surprise the model is calling for at the Zurich Classic 2024: McIlroy and Lowry, who've combined for 26 wins on the PGA Tour, barely crack the top five. McIlroy is set to play in his fourth consecutive event when he tees off at TPC Louisiana. He's failed to crack the top-10 in seven of his eight starts on the PGA Tour this season, while Lowry has finished T-19 or worse in six of his past eight events. 

Both players have struggled mightily on the green this season. McIlroy enters the 2024 Zurich Classic ranked 78th in strokes gained: putting (0.119) and 72nd in putting average (1.758), a big reason why he ranks 98th in scoring average (70.44). Lowry, meanwhile, ranks 99th in strokes gained: putting (-0.012) and 143rd in putts per round (29.38), which doesn't bode well for their chances to finish on top of the leaderboard this week. 

Another surprise: Rasmus Højgaard and Nicolai Højgaard, 35-1 longshots, make a strong run at the title. The twin brothers have a much better chance to win it all than their odds imply, so they're a target for anyone looking for a huge payday.

The Danish twosome has been making headlines abroad for years now, becoming the first brothers to ever win events in consecutive weeks on the European Tour back in 2021. They are now making noise on the PGA Tour as Nicolai finished second at the Farmers Insurance Open back in January and finished T16 in his first ever Masters appearance earlier this month. Nicolai also played this event last year, so his experience makes the duo an under-the-radar competitor at the 2024 Zurich Classic.  See who else to pick here . 

How to make 2024 Zurich Classic picks

The model is also targeting three other teams with odds of 35-1 or longer to make a strong run at the title. Anyone who backs these longshots could hit it big. You can only see the model's picks here .

Who will win the 2024 Zurich Classic, and which longshots will stun the golfing world? Check out the Zurich Classic 2024 odds below and then visit SportsLine to see the projected Zurich Classic leaderboard , all from the model that's nailed 11 golf majors, including the last three Masters.

2024 Zurich Classic odds, field

Get full 2024 Zurich Classic picks, best bets, and predictions here .

Patrick Cantlay / Xander Schauffele +500 Rory McIlroy / Shane Lowry +800 Will Zalatoris / Sahith Theegala +1100 Collin Morikawa / Kurt Kitayama +1600 Tom Hoge / Maverick McNealy +2500 Matt Fitzpatrick / Alex Fitzpatrick +2500 Taylor Pendrith / Corey Conners +3500 Rasmus Højgaard / Nicolai Højgaard +3500 Taylor Montgomery / Ben Griffin +4000 Sepp Straka / Brice Garnett +4000 Nick Taylor / Adam Hadwin +4000 Keith Mitchell / Joel Dahmen +4000 Brice Garnett / Sepp Straka +4000 Thomas Detry / Robert MacIntyre +4500 Doug Ghim / Chan Kim +4500 Davis Thompson / Andrew Novak +4500 Daniel Berger / Victor Perez +4500 Kevin Yu / C.T. Pan +5000 Billy Horschel / Tyson Alexander +5000 Beau Hossler / Sam Ryder +5000 Andrew Putnam / Joe Highsmith +5000 Aaron Rai / David Lipsky +5000 Thorbjorn Olesen / Matt Wallace +6500 Taylor Moore / Matt NeSmith +6500 K.H. Lee / Michael Kim +6500 Greyson Sigg / Chesson Hadley +6500 Gary Woodland / Lee Hodges +6500 Garrick Higgo / Ryan Fox +6500 Austin Eckroat / Chris Gotterup +6500 Steve Stricker / Matt Kuchar +8000 Nate Lashley / Rafael Campos +8000 Luke List / Henrik Norlander +8000 Kevin Streelman / Martin Laird +8000 Dylan Wu / Justin Lower +8000 Davis Riley / Nick Hardy +8000 Chandler Phillips / Jacob Bridgeman +8000 Carson Young / Ben Martin +8000 Ben Silverman / Kevin Dougherty +8000 Zach Johnson / Ryan Palmer +10000 Vincent Norrman / Jorge Campillo +10000 Nico Echavarria / Max Greyserman +10000 Alex Smalley / Matti Schmid +10000 Thriston Lawrence / Aldrich Potgieter +13000 Ryan Brehm / Mark Hubbard +13000 Justin Suh / Rico Hoey +13000 Jhonattan Vegas / Bronson Burgoon +13000 J.J. Spaun / Hayden Buckley +13000 Erik Barnes / Harrison Endycott +13000 Chad Ramey / Martin Trainer +13000 Carl Yuan / Zecheng Dou +13000 Sam Stevens / Paul Barjon +15000 Peter Malnati / Russell Knox +15000

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Best things to see and do in Moscow

Moscow is the capital of Russia and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. It’s rich and complex history is a constant reminder of its strategic position between Europe and Asia and makes it one of the cities you should visit once in your life. In terms of the many iconic landmarks, the delicious cuisine, and the characteristic, colorful architecture it has, Moscow is full of surprises for first-timers and seasoned travelers. Apart from the main attractions, it has like the Kremlin or Red Square, Moscow has many hidden gems for you to discover on your free walking tour with your local guide. 

On any of the free guided tours we offer in Moscow , you will be able to find a selection of many tours which are available in different languages and at different times of day, like the morning, afternoon, and evening. Since Moscow is such a large metropolis, getting your bearings by doing a guruwalk with a local guide who will show you all Moscow’s hidden gems is a great idea. This way you get to learn as much as possible about the local culture and way of life. A trip to Moscow wouldn't be complete without visiting iconic places like St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, or the State Historical Museum, before getting some fresh air at Gorky Park, the medieval church of Kolomenskoye, or shopping at Izmailovsky Market. Don’t miss visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Bolshoi Theater, or checking out the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve. 

Many travelers have left their r eviews and opinions about the local guides , gurus, and the routes they walked. If you have any questions about the routes or what is included in the tour, check out their opinions. 

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2024 nfl draft: odds, prediction for michael penix jr. landing spot.

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Michael Penix Jr. lit up the college football world last season with 4,903 passing yards and 36 touchdowns to 11 interceptions.

In the process, he led Washington to a Pac-12 Championship and national title game appearance. He made full use of his sixth year of eligibility, but it wasn’t easy to get to this point for Penix, who brings with him into the 2024 NFL Draft a complicated injury history.

Penix is seeing significant first-round buzz from industry experts and media circles, and the betting odds reflect that sentiment.

Where does the betting opportunity lie for him? Let’s take a look at the current odds.

Draft position odds for Michael Penix Jr.

DraftKings currently has Penix priced at -320 to be selected under the draft position of 32.5, essentially meaning he’s a -320 favorite to be a first-round pick. Meanwhile, Penix is +240 to go over 32.5 or outside the first round. 

The favorite to land Penix is the Raiders at +200 on DraftKings, while the Vikings are second at +400. Minnesota currently picks at No. 11, with Las Vegas sitting at No. 13.

The Seahawks (+550), Broncos (+650), and Patriots (+850) round out the top five. All three of those teams own picks in the Round 1 between third overall and 16th.

Be fore discussing specific team fits, let’s first take a look at Penix’s draft profile.

Strengths and weaknesses

While Penix’s funky left-handed throwing motion looks quite different from that of most NFL starters, he gets plenty of velocity and touch on his throws to all three levels.

He has excellent arm strength to push the ball deep downfield and is adept at throwing outside the numbers. He ranked 10th in the FBS with a big-time throw rate of 7.3%, per PFF, and his 43 big-time throws led the country.

However, Penix wasn’t asked to throw the ball over the middle of the field much at Washington, and he certainly will be in the NFL.

He also showed inconsistent ball placement, and his 39.5% uncatchable pass rate on throws of 10-plus yards is tied for the highest in this draft class.

Penix gives his receivers a chance to make plays downfield, but he won’t wow you with precision throws into tight windows.

He also tends to fall away when throwing against pressure, causing the ball to sail, which was reflected in a significant drop of more than 20% in his adjusted completion rate under pressure.

Penix also scrambled just five times on 158 pressured dropbacks last season, and his inability to extend plays with his legs mixes poorly with his shaky accuracy under pressure.

A complicated injury history

One of the significant red flags in Penix’s profile is his injury history. While at Indiana, he suffered four season-ending injuries in four years, including two torn ACLs.

He transferred to Washington, where he had two fully healthy seasons with high-level productivity under his former Hoosiers OC and new head coach Kalen DeBoer, . 

In a letter he penned for the Player’s Tribune, Penix attempted to answer some of the questions teams will have about his injury history. He countered concerns, saying he has shown coaches “what that looks like” in regards to his ability to come back from injuries. 

“I have no problem taking all the MRIs and X-rays you ask of me,” he wrote. “Truth is, it’s an EKG that will tell you everything you need to know of me.”

Penix is well-spoken and a good human being by all accounts. He also refused to leave the national title game against an historic Michigan defense despite taking a beating.

Still, there’s no denying that some teams will have him off the board entirely due to his past injuries. 

Where does the betting value lie?

The hype surrounding Penix’s first-round potential is deafening, but I’m still not buying in.

In recent years, we’ve seen players like Hendon Hooker, Will Levis and Malik Willis draw significant first-round hype before falling much further in the draft than anyone anticipated. To me, Penix is this year’s version of that player.

I still believe the Vikings will trade up for a quarterback in the top five, while the Seahawks (Sam Howell) and Broncos (Zach Wilson) have already brought in young passers who are in the same age range as Penix. It’s tough to imagine them spending a first-rounder on the Washington QB after making those moves.

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If Penix falls to Day 2, one team that could make sense for him is the Giants, currently priced at +1100 to land his services. They can’t get out of the Daniel Jones contract until next offseason at the earliest, but they could target Penix early in the second round.

The Dolphins are another intriguing fit at +2000 with some uncertainty surrounding a potential looming contract extension for Tua Tagovailoa.

I already recommended taking under 4.5 first-round quarterbacks in a previous article , and while the market has moved against me, nothing about my stance on this year’s quarterback class has changed.

Penix’s profile has things to like, but I don’t see him as a first-round-caliber prospect.

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