She has since become a force in junior cross-country racing, winning the 2026 New Zealand National Junior Women’s Championship in Rotorua and securing the Oceania Under-19 title earlier this year.
Her home track, the Te Miro Mountain Bike Park, has played a major role in her development, she said.
This year, McMillan also secured second, third and fourth-place finishes in the Canada Cup and UCI Junior Series Events.
The world championships feature a 36-strong New Zealand squad, with several riders ranked inside the world’s top 10.
According to MTB data, McMillan is third in the world junior rankings, making her one of the highest-ranked junior riders from New Zealand.
Last year, New Zealand claimed five medals at the event in Switzerland, with Cycling New Zealand expecting another strong showing in Italy.
For McMillan, this is her final season in the Under-19 category.
She will step into the Under-23 category next year, the final stepping stone before elite racing and potentially the Olympic Games.
For her European campaign, McMillan travels with her bike, spare wheels and additional parts to handle Europe’s rocky courses. Cycling New Zealand only provides mechanical support at the world championships.
Her trip is self-funded and supported by her parents and sponsors, including the Performance Racing Team.
Despite the challenges, McMillan remains grounded, grateful and determined.
“I just want to be the best I can,” she said.
“Give it everything and live the dream.”
Graeme “Mintie” Mead is a sports commentator, the host of the radio show Waikato All Sports Breakfast and a Newstalk ZB overnight host. He is also a councillor on the Hamilton City Council.