Sacha Mills and Will Ireland finish season as downhill national series overall winners

Will Ireland and Sacha Mills have claimed the 2025 AusCycling Downhill National Series elite overall titles at the final round in Orange, NSW 

Mills, who had already made her presence known by topping the podium in the opening three rounds, was determined to put her stamp on the series with a victory in the final race. 

The Queenslander’s preparation paid off, as she topped the seeding and maintained her impressive form in the race run.

Mills laid down a time of 04:39.223, a full five seconds ahead of her closest rival, Bella Schofield, who finished in second.  

Zali Miklas completed the podium in third, but it was Mills’ day to shine, as she secured the win and ended the season with an unassailable 828 points across the four rounds. 

In the elite men’s race, it was an extraordinary debut for Wilkin Payens, who was competing in his first-ever race of the series.

The newcomer made an immediate impact, putting together an awe-inspiring run to finish with a time of 03:47.798—a performance made even more remarkable by the fact that Payens was riding a trail bike borrowed from fellow competitor Troy Weinert. 

In the battle for second place, Callum Crofts took the silver with a time just over two seconds slower than Payens, while Weinert, ever the consistent performer, claimed third. 

While it wasn’t the fairytale finish for Ireland, who finished in fifth place, the final race didn’t derail his dream of clinching the overall series title 45 points ahead of Weinert.

The fastest time of the day would go to under-19 rider Lachlan Roberts with a 03:45.747 more than two seconds quicker than elite men’s winner Payens. 

Overall series rankings can be found here.