Racing to the start line

Top Canadian cyclist to join Israeli Tour de France team

Michael Woods signs a three-year deal with Team Israel Start-Up Nation to support team’s four-time winner Chris Froome

Canada's Michael Woods (EF Education First) celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 100th edition of the one-day classic cycling race Milan - Torino between Magenta, west of Milan and Superga, east of Torino, October 9, 2019. (Marco Bertorello / AFP)
Canada's Michael Woods (EF Education First) celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 100th edition of the one-day classic cycling race Milan - Torino between Magenta, west of Milan and Superga, east of Torino, October 9, 2019. (Marco Bertorello / AFP)

The Israel Start-Up Nation cycle team announced on Wednesday that Canadian cyclist Michael Woods will join the outfit next season to support four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome.

Woods, 33, who won a bronze medal at the world championships in 2018, has signed a three-year deal, the team said.

“World-class climber, Michael Woods, will join Team Israel Start-Up Nation next season to be Chris Froome’s super-domestique,” Start-Up Nation said.

“The Canadian will also lead the team in some of the biggest classics and monument races,” they added.

British cyclist Chris Froome in action during time trials at the start of 2018 Giro d’Italia, Tour of Italy cycling race in Jerusalem, May 4, 2018. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)

Tour stage winners Daryl Impey and Patrick Bevan as well as Norwegian rider Carl Fredrik Hagen have also been signed by the side which has been promoted to the top-tier World Tour.

The British Froome will continue to compete for Ineos this season and is taking part in the Criterium du Dauphine, a key Tour de France warm-up race, that begins on Wednesday.

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