Some know her, some don’t. But if anyone’s been out to a local AZ race this season, then you’ve probably heard the announcer mention the name Sabrina Savage. How could you not remember a last name like “Savage”?… Probably one of the better last name’s an athlete could hope for. Well, like many we’ve heard the name over and over again so we thought we’d contact her and get a little more info.
Velocity Group Cycling: When did you begin riding? Why?
I started riding in Kansas City in May of 2007 where I started doing charity rides and centuries. Before too long I was hooked and 3 months after starting I bought a carbon road bike and started racing here in Arizona in February 2008.
I used to always ride my bike to and from school from 2nd grade to a junior in high school but never competitively. While living in Kansas City a radio dj Kelly Urich convinced me to do Tour de Cure in which I road 70 miles on a hybrid bike (thank god I bought the bike shorts which I was hesitant on spending $50)
After that I started riding each day and found that I could ride for hours and not feel pain unlike when I was a runner.
VGC: What type of training are you doing at the moment?
A lot of interval and hill training and whatever my coach Brian Forbes tells me to do!
VGC: What are your hobbies off the bike?
Watching scary movies, traveling, and spending time with my family.
VGC: What is your favorite training ride in Arizona?
I would have to say Tortilla Flats is my all time favorite ride here in Arizona that I’ve done. It has amazing scenery along with some killer hills along with some great descent as long as the traffic is not bad!
VGC: What is your best Arizona racing memory?
Racing the state TT mixed Tandem race last year with Brian Forbes and breaking the old Arizona Record. This had to have been the most fun race in Arizona and I didn’t have to ever see the front!

Not afraid of a men's field! Sabrina shown here at the Hungry Dog Crit.
VGC: What is your favorite Arizona race past or present?
I would have to say Bisbee is my favorite Arizona race, even though I was unable to race it this year due to not having a women’s field (which I hope they will change for next year). This race was challenging with the hills and amazing scenery along with the support of the city. I hope to race it next year!
VGC: If you had to pick another sport to excel in which would it be and why?
Speed skating! I have a need for speed.
VGC: Do you have any mentors or cyclists you admire? Why?
Laura Van Gilder is one of the cyclists I admire the most because she has been racing for many years and still places at the top levels in women’s professional cycling at the age of 44. She gives me hope and inspiration with the sport of women’s professional cycling, and realizes that this sport takes time and experience.
VGC: What are your goals for the 2009 season?
My goals this season is to place in the up coming Manhattan Beach Grand Prix and to be the first woman at the upcoming El Tour de Tucson.

Sabrina Savage at the 2009 Tour de Nez.
VGC: What’s on your iPod right now?
Britney Spears, Yes I know! But her new stuff is kind of catchy.
VGC: If you had to be stuck on a tandem with one person for 100 miles, who would it be? Why?
My boyfriend Brian Forbes, since he is the only person I’ve been on a tandem with and who I trust enough to do 100 miles on a tandem without dying.
VGC: Thanks Sabrina. We appreicate you taking the time to answer a few questions. Best of luck with the rest of 2009!