Rider Profile

Name: Isla Short

Primary Club: WXC World Racing

Biography:

I’m 16, and live in the Borders. I race cross country mountain bike and have done for the last two years. I also do a bit of endurance for fun. I went straight into racing nationally in 2011 after racing an sxc and not doing too badly. Last year I started taking it more seriously and in 2012 I won the National Series. This year my aim is to get the chance to compete at some of the world cups and to get all the experience I can for the future. My first race abroad was in Austria, at the European youth Mtb champs last summer where I finished 31st. For me this was the place where I realised that I want to continue racing seriously and hopefully make a career out of it. This season coming I will be moving into the Junior category which will is a big step up from last year, so I look forward to see what I can achieve. As well as gaining selection for world cups, my main focus is also the National championships. My dream is to travel all over the world and compete at a world class level.

Career Highlights to date:

2011:

Scottish Cyclocross Champion

2nd in the National XC Series (youth)

5th at the National XC Champs (youth)

2012:

First in the National XC Series (youth)

2nd at the National XC Champs (youth)

First in the Scottish XC Series (youth)

2nd in the Scottish XC Champs (youth)

31st at the European Youth Champs overall, best result 20th

Who Inspires you and why:

Every cyclist who has the desire to make it to the top level of racing. I admire all the racers who make sacrifices so that they can be the best they can be, because it definitely pays off!

How do you celebrate/relax after a big event:

Chill out for a day or two, eat what I like, bask! Do something non bicycle related with friends who don’t ride bikes.