Helly Hansen welcomed Andrew Shandro as its first professional mountain bike athlete. Through a multi-year contract, Shandro will hang up traditional bike jerseys for Helly Hansens LIFA Versa shirts and jerseys and technical outerwear and work closely with Helly Hansen for product testing, new cycling product development, and act as a bridge to help further establish Helly Hansen in the world of mountain biking.
“Helly Hansen is an awesome brand that is really on its way up. I like the product development side and Im stoked to help them grow their mountain bike line,” said Shandro. “The clothes are tech, but very stylish. For my type of riding, were really out in the elements, way out in the mountains where Hellys technical gear has already served me well in the worst weather.”
The new style of freeride mountain biking Shandro has pioneered leaves riders relying on protective armor to separate them between human will and natures forces, and this is the essence of Helly Hansen. Helly Hansens bi-component LIFA Versa keeps the skin dryer and cooler than any other quick-dry active single layer fabric, making it the ideal choice to put under mountain bike protective body armor. In the wet North Shore weather, Shandro will also be protected by Helly Hansens waterproof, breathable and super light fabrics like e-VENT fabric found in the Drayco 3-ply outdoor shell.
“Andrew is an icon of the sport of mountain biking and of the Helly Hansen brand, said Cory Bayers, International Marketing Manager of Mountainsports for Helly Hansen. “A champion bike racer several times over and a figurehead among the North Shore freeride set, he brings a legacy of adventure to Helly Hansen. His input towards product development will help us refine our cycling apparel and make it even more what riders want.”
Shandros career reveals endless contributions to the sport of cycling. He began mountain bike racing at the age of seventeen, and grew an affinity for descending despite his natural ability for cross-country racing. His impressive career results include over a handful of Canadian National Downhill Championship titles, a World Cup title, a gold medal at X Games and repeat appearances at top freeride competitions. Helping propel the future of mountain biking, he dedicates summers to instructing riders from around the globe through his Whistler Summer Gravity Camps in British Columbia. Shandro currently balances riding for fun with shooting upcoming appearances in some of the sports most popular films, promotional appearances and working with his sponsors on product testing and development. He resides in North Vancouver, British Columbia.
