Israel-Premier Tech has announced its lineup for the 2025 Tour de France, with Michael Woods as the designated leader following his memorable stage win in the 2023 edition.

The 38-year-old Canadian's participation had been put in doubt by a recent lung infection that forced him to withdraw during the Tour de Suisse.

'Cycling can be a cruel sport,' Woods commented on Instagram, 'For the second time this year, after a great training camp at altitude and excellent form, I had to abandon the first race on my return.'

Despite the difficulties, Woods says he is excited to participate in his fifth Tour:

'It's the last race on the calendar that still scares me - in a good way. It's a huge challenge, the level is very high and the risks are great, but the rewards are incredible.'

The Canadian has identified the sixth stage, with an uphill finish in Vire Normandie, as his first real objective:

'From then on I'll be the protagonist. In the first stages I'll just think about staying safe - the only Tour where I won a stage was the one where I didn't crash.'

Joining Woods will be German sprinter Pascal Ackermann, seeking his first Tour stage win, as well as Jake Stewart, fresh from his Critérium du Dauphiné win. Also to watch are Alexey Lutsenko and young talent Joseph Blackmore, Tour de l'Avenir champion.

Team manager Steve Bauer said:

'The objective is simple but difficult to achieve: to win a stage. We have selected the best possible team to achieve this goal.'

Sprint Cycling Photo