Millie Johnset Retired From Professional Downhill Racing
At 25, the downhill star has stepped away from World Cup racing following several competitive seasons.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Cycling
Millie Johnset has announced her retirement from World Cup downhill mountain bike racing. The 25-year-old concludes an international career that began in 2018.
Why it matters
Johnset steps away from the sport after establishing herself as a consistent contender in elite downhill events since 2019. Her career trajectory highlights the physical toll and performance longevity challenges inherent in professional gravity mountain biking.
Johnset’s performance record spans international competition from 2018 to 2026, including podium finishes at the 2018 Junior World Championships and a 3rd place result in the 2025 World Cup in Andorra.
The players
Millie Johnset
A 25-year-old downhill mountain bike racer who competed internationally for eight years.
The details
Downhill racing requires extreme physical output and recovery capacity to navigate technical, high-speed terrain. Johnset’s late-career tenure involved recovering from a broken collarbone in Tasmania during February 2026 and a shoulder separation sustained in September 2026.
Timeline
2018: Johnset began racing internationally.
February 2026: Johnset broke her collarbone in Tasmania.
September 2026: Johnset separated her shoulder.
September 29, 2026: Johnset announced her retirement.
Health Landscape
The professional downhill circuit remains a highly demanding discipline within the Crankworx World Tour and World Cup series. Elite competitors must balance intense seasonal schedules against the recovery timelines required for traumatic injuries like collarbone and shoulder fractures.
Competitive athletes managing recurring orthopedic injuries must carefully monitor recovery markers and functional movement before returning to high-impact sports. If you are training for similar high-intensity activities, discuss injury prevention and safe return-to-sport protocols with your doctor.
The takeaway
Professional downhill racing carries significant physical risks, evidenced by the recovery periods required for major orthopedic injuries. Athletes navigating these career stages should prioritize professional orthopedic consultation to assess long-term joint and skeletal health.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments and professional athlete career transitions in our Cycling section.
