Broward College professor pays special attention to cycling

MIAMI GARDENS, Florida. (WSVN) — A local athlete has decided to channel her passion for fitness in a different direction thanks to the pandemic. Shiri Edwards, nicknamed “the pint-sized powerhouse,” wants to educate the South Florida community about the cycling world.

“When I first started riding I had no intention of becoming a competitive cyclist when I raced my first race after that, I just got carried away,” said Edwards.

It started out as a way to stay in shape, but then her competitive wheels rolled.

“I had the opportunity to apply for a grant from Ayesha McGowan, the first black professional cyclist. [and] she created this grant to give minority women the opportunity to race,” said Edwards. “[I got on the] podium in my first race, podium in my third race [and] I realized that I really have a chance to make my mark.”

In just eight months, Edwards competed in 24 races and was on the podium 14 times, taking first place five times and winning the state championship.

“[Sheerie] looks so ferocious, so strong [she is] tiniest and killer,” supporter Adrienne Burroughs said.

The petite peddler breaks down barriers as the only black cyclist on the court.

“She wants to create this platform for us and just get more people on it,” Burroughs said.

“We need variety, we need more women around, especially little crackers like her,” said Gianelli Prieto, CEO of Rapha Miami, a bike shop.

When the proud Florida A&M graduate isn’t cycling, she’s in her class at Broward College.

“Now I teach anatomy and physiology, so I give back. You know, cycling kind of matches that,” Edwards said.

Like any good teacher, Edwards wants people to pay attention to cycling if they’re trying to get in shape.

“I think it’s a great sport,” she said. “Many athletes move from football, track and field or basketball to cycling. This is a sport where there is no preference for any age.”

Anyone with an interest in the sport should join in on the win as Edwards could soon become a big name in competitive cycling.

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