9News Sports Anchor Wargin at Retul

June 2, 2011

While often seen covering the Rockies, Nuggets, or Broncos, 9News sports anchor Susie Wargin is also well-versed in cycling and triathlon. Wargin has competed in events such as the Boulder Peak and Harvest Moon triathlons, as well as Elephant Rock and the Courage Classic local cycling events. When she's not on the air at 5:00 AM, Wargin is often out on the bike training, and came to Retul Studios Denver last week to work with Todd Carver before the upcoming Ride the Rockies event.

Wargin brought in her custom Sampson road bike on which she had previously had other top-level fits at local bike shops. The road bike with aero bars was set up in a hybrid position, as Wargin reserves her custom TT bike for special occasions and primarily trains on the road bike. 

After 3D motion capture analysis it was apparent that Wargin's position on the saddle was causing her to over-extend her legs at the knee and ankle.  Statically, this position would appear to be normal, but while riding, Wargin was pushing back on the saddle which is common for many women. The saddle was moved down 1 cm to allow for a more fluid pedal stroke and eliminate the over extension at the knee and ankle.

With Ride the Rockies approaching, Carver wanted to achieve more of a road position rather than a hybrid position with the aero bars. The aero bars were removed, and the standard bars changed from a deep-style to a shallow reach bar. The old bar had a long reach to the brake hood and to the drop, which is very characteristic of older style bars. Wargin will test out a new Zipp bar with a shorter reach to the brake hood and drops which will allow for more comfort. With the aero bars off she will have more options for the placement of her hands. The Zipp bar also has a flat top which is good for climbing.

Last month Wargin climbed Lookout Mountain with Garmin-Cervelo's Tom Danielson who also recently visited Retul. The ride was to promote the upcoming USA Pro Cycling Challenge that will take place in late August.

Wargin will return to Retul Studios next week to assess her positon on her TT bike.

Through Wargin Events, Susie and her brother will host the Wacky W ride to support Douglas County Schools. The ride will take place September 10 and offers 7, 34, and 58 mile loops to accomodate families and all levels of cyclists. To register or sponsor, visit www.wackyw.com.

View photo gallery from Wargin's bike fit HERE.

Todd Carver and Susie Wargin at Retul Studios Denver