Ghost Factory Racing closes down

The Ghost Factory Racing has announced its definitive closure, bringing an end to a trajectory of more than 14 years as one of the most influential teams in women's XCO in the World Cup. Founded in 2011 and always backed by the German brand Ghost, the project bids farewell, leaving a deep mark on the elite of international mountain biking.

Women's XCO loses one of its pillars: the closure of Ghost Factory Racing is confirmed

The decision aligns with the current moment the brand is experiencing. If in recent months some rumors even pointed to a possible disappearance of Ghost as a manufacturer, everything indicates that its strategy will involve regrouping efforts and focusing on Gravity disciplines, leaving aside its historic commitment to competitive cross-country.

Throughout its history, Ghost Factory Racing has been synonymous with consistency at the highest level, with a constant presence on World Cup podiums, World Championships, and major international events. One of the most recent and notable milestones came in 2024, when Anne Terpstra and Nicole Koller dominated from start to finish in the Absa Cape Epic, winning all stages and taking the final victory, an achievement reserved for very few teams in the history of the event.

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This success perfectly encapsulated the team's DNA with established riders, a solid structure, and a clearly winning identity in the most demanding races on the calendar.

Currently, Ghost Factory Racing had one of the most powerful lineups in women's XCO, with names like Terpstra herself, Swiss Koller, Danish Caroline Bohé, German Finja Lipp, and Italian Sara Cortinovis. The disappearance of the team will inevitably cause a domino effect in the transfer market, with several of these riders likely moving to World Cup structures in the coming weeks.

In fact, as had already been hinted, Sara Cortinovis is strongly rumored to be one of the first reinforcements for the new official team that the brand UNNO is preparing. For her part, Anne Terpstra herself has confirmed that she will announce her new destination in a matter of days, reinforcing the idea that the closure comes with the riders already well-positioned for 2026.

The farewell of Ghost Factory Racing is not just the disappearance of another team from the paddock, but the closing of a key chapter in the recent history of women's XCO. For more than a decade, it was a reference for results, stability, and a continued commitment to high-performance women.