Outside line: Why Isla Short chose to build her own program

British cross-country rider Isla Short has announced her decision to operate as a privateer for the upcoming World Cup season, eschewing traditional team structures. Citing the increasing professionalisation and associated costs of top-tier racing, Short is building her own program, managing logistics, sponsorship, and support staff independently. This move sees one of Britain's most consistent XC talents charting a unique course outside the conventional team framework.

This independent pivot by Short, a former top-10 World Cup finisher, highlights a growing tension within elite mountain biking: the escalating financial demands versus the opportunities for individual athletes. As team budgets balloon and factory support becomes ever more concentrated, riders without a lucrative contract often face an impossible choice. Short's decision reflects a broader industry discussion about sustainability for athletes outside the very top echelon, seeking agency and control over their racing careers rather than conforming to established, and often restrictive, team models.

Short's path is a bold gamble, but one that might just offer a blueprint for others feeling squeezed by the sport's relentless professionalisation. Sometimes, the most direct route isn't always the one with the biggest bus.