Andrea Shirley

I am a passionate and active sports-woman, dedicating a large part of my week to training. I am also a professional business woman, employed full-time as an Environmental Manager at the Coega Industrial Development Zone, Port Elizabeth, RSA. 

My focus in sport has been cycling, although I have competed in numerous trail running and multi-sport races. I started cycling competitively in 2003, with the focus on mountain biking. I am a member of the Fattracks Mountain Bike Club in Port Elizabeth and serve on the committee.
My strengths as an athlete lie in cross country mountain bike racing, although I have a passion for endurance events such as multi-stage races and trail running. I have experience in many multi-stage mountain bike races. I am very competitive and over the years, have been dedicated to my sport, the evidence of which is seen in my achievements. 

Although based in the Eastern Cape, I travel country-wide for sporting events.

Some of my Achievements over the years

• I was the South African Champion in my age category for cross country (XCO) mountain biking in 2010 and 2011. 
• I was selected for the SA National XCO Team in 2010 and won a bronze medal for my country at the World Masters XCO Championships in Brazil. 
• I obtained a 4th position at both the 2013 World Masters XCO Championships and the 2014 World Masters XCM Championships in Pietermaritzburg.
• I obtained my Pr ovincial and National colours in cross country mountain biking in 2010, 2011 & 2013.
• I was one of the nominees for Cyclist of the Year 2010.

My favourite races include the likes of the ABSA Cape Epic, Sani2C, TransBaviaans, Great Zuurberg Trek, Tour de Afrique, all XCO racing, the Merrell Eden Duo, the Hobbit Trail run and a range of multi-sport events.

For a full list of the mountain bike and multi-sport races I have participated in click the below link to download a copy.

Download Sport CV (1.34Mb)

Goals and Aspirations

My goal is to continue mountain biking competitively, and to select specific races that would enhance my strength as a mountain biker, but at the same time, would maximise exposure for my sponsors. In 2016 my focus will be on multi-stage events such as the Great Zuurberg Trek, Dr Evil MTB stage race, PE to Plett, Attakwas & the ABSA Cape Epic. These are team events where I race in either a mixed or ladies team. These events are all televised and receive excellent coverage in the South African cycling media. The ABSA Cape Epic is an international race that receives coverage world-wide. It is considered the Tour de France of mountain biking. In 2016 I plan to partake in selected trail running events in the Eastern Cape.

Sponsorship

I am currently sponsored by Merrell (2011 – current), where I promote their brand of outdoor apparel, including clothing and shoes.

Previous sponsors include the Coega Development Corporation (2007-2009), Probike (2010), Red Cherry Adventures (2009-2011) and Momsen Bikes (2012-2103).