In the run-up to the new season, the team was already able to meet up in the new constellation and successfully completed the first training days. In addition to riding technique, there was also plenty of fun on and off the bike and getting to know each other. "Of course, you know a lot of athletes in the 'MTB circus', some a little better than others, and sometimes this leads to a collaboration at some point. We have been in close contact with Isla for years and she has always expressed her appreciation of our work. On the other hand, we admired and respected the fact that she was able to make her own way so impressively. However, she has now reached her limits and so it was only natural for us to explore the possibilities of working together. And after the first conversation it was already clear to both sides - we have the same goals and ideas and so we quickly came to an agreement. Isla is a personality who is interested in and committed to so many projects beyond pure sport and shows how multi-faceted she is. We are very much looking forward to working together and are sure that we can take another step forward together," said Thomas Wickles after the first meetings and the first team camp in preparation for the 2023 season.

Isla Short had already ridden for an international team in the past before deciding to pursue her own project for a few years to see how far she could go. She has tested her limits and is now hoping that the team will give her the support and cohesion that she has been missing in recent years: "I have felt drawn to GHOST Factory Racing in recent years after taking a close look at the teams in the World Cup. The people in and around the team have created something very special; an environment that welcomes uniqueness and where athletes can develop both athletically and personally. I am in awe of the girls' consistency at the highest level and their ability to lift each other up in difficult times. I think this proves that the ethos at GHOST works and I feel very privileged to have been accepted here. It's rare to find a team that can win with excellent equipment while also being able to look after its riders on a human level. There is so much to look forward to in 2023: an incredible group of people with whom I can share my own success and that of others, a big hug when things aren't going so well, and an environment where I feel fully supported and can achieve my goals with renewed energy."

In addition to the addition of Isla, team manager Thomas Wickles also had to focus on consistency: "We had an incredible year in which everyone played their part. Whether it was the athletes, support team, sponsors or the support from home from all the employees at GHOST. We are proud of what we have achieved and are therefore relying on the same partners and the same team in the background for the coming year. Everyone is behind this project and has also promised us their support for the coming year. Thanks to all our partners for their trust. In addition, we have already extended the long-term contracts with the first athletes in advance, giving us a solid basis for the coming years."

The new 2023 World Cup season begins in May with eight familiar venues; after the start of the season in Nove Mesto na Morave in the Czech Republic, five more races will take place in Europe and two in North America. The team will start the season in South Africa in mid-January and will take part in the first preparatory competitions in addition to the first training days together.

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