United States' Erik Bjornsen announced his retirement after eight years on the World Cup circuit ©Getty Images

The United States' cross-country skier Erik Bjornsen has announced his retirement at the age of 28-years-old.

Bjornsen, who competed on the World Cup circuit in 2012 for the first time at the age of 21, took to Instagram to share the news, having reached one podium in his time competing.

In 2018, he had his best finish in the overall standings in 50th place and the next season he earned bronze in the 15 kilometre pursuit in Lillehammer in Norway.

On his Instagram post, he said: "Just a young buck from a small town in Washington, got to travel the world with a bunch of amazing people.






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Time to hang up the ol' race skis. What a trip! Thank you all! ---- Crazy what a sport can provide you. Just a young buck from a small town in Washington, got to travel the world with a bunch of amazing people. Made friends from all over the globe. Met a girl from a small town in France. Bit at the ankles of the worlds best. ---- I'm proud of what I was able to achieve. Always hungry for more, but I'm sure that won't stop with skiing. Looking forward to the future... After the corona virus. Stay healthy everyone ? ---- Thank you so much for all the great memories ski family, fam family, coaches, volunteers, friends, and sponsors. That was one heck of a good time! .... #MethowValley #Truckee #PrazDeLys #Sochi #Lillehammer #Anchorage

A post shared by Erik Bjornsen (@ebjornsen1991) on


"I made friends from all over the globe, met a girl from a small town in France, bit at the ankles of the world's best."

Bjornsen fared well on the US Super Tour, claiming 14 victories and finishing second in the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 seasons.

He also competed at the Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics where the US finished sixth in both team sprints.

His best Olympic individual performance came in the sprint in Pyeongchang, where he finished 27th.