Canadian in running to ruin Porte’s title defence
CANADIAN former pro runner Mike Woods has been dubbed the biggest threat to Australian star and Willunga king Richie Porte winning his second Tour Down Under which starts in North Adelaide today.
Woods, who was third in last year’s world championships on a hilly course in Austria and finished fifth at his TDU debut two years ago, will lead a strong EF Education First team that has been training in the Australian heat for the past two weeks.
And his preparations have certainly caught the eye of some, with 2015 TDU winner Rohan Dennis claiming Woods is the man most likely to challenge Porte for the ochre jersey this week.
“There are two guys to watch – Richie obviously and Mike Woods,” Dennis said.
“Mike looks like he’s in good form, he always looks pretty lean but I believe he’s been looking to start the season off on a high.”
Woods turned pro in 2016 after a successful middle distance running career.
As well as his world championship podium finish the 32-year-old has finished seventh overall in the Vuelta a Espana and second in LiegeBastogne-Liege in the past two seasons.