Entries Open for 2015 Giant Odyssey MTB Marathon
News Release / 24.09.2014
Entries have opened for the 2015 Giant Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon, set for Saturday 21st March on the phenomenal trails around Forrest, South-West Victoria.
Now in its 9th year, the Giant Odyssey is Australia’s most respected mountain bike marathon thanks to the quantity of epic single track, the lung busting hills and blitzing descents, the electrifying race atmosphere and sense of satisfaction you get when you finish in the middle of the massive Forrest Festival.
Race organisers at Rapid Ascent are planning for another big year with over 4,000 competitors and spectators expected for the event.
“The new date of Saturday 21st March will suit the riders better and should provide perfect racing conditions, we’ve improved the course for the 50km riders to give them even more single track, and introduced new entry fee levels to create package options for our competitors,” said Sam Maffett, General Manager, Rapid Ascent.
The event offers three race options: the renowned 100km Giant Odyssey, the shorter yet still challenging 50km Giant Shorty, and the 15km Giant Pioneer designed for kids and new comers to the sport.
Each race includes some of the best mountain bike single track in Australia with the renowned Forrest trails providing scope for some great riding
Many of the nation’s top mountain bike riders will be competing with the added incentive of gaining series points in the Maverick Marathon Series. The Giant Odyssey features as Race 2 of the Maverick Marathon Series, which brings together four of Australia's most popular mountain bike marathons to provide riders with a Series that captures the essence of mountain biking and encourages participation at ALL levels. Details at www.maverickseries.com.au
“The Odyssey is one of my favourite races on the calendar and I keep coming back for the awesome trails and atmosphere of the race,” said Giant rider Scott Chancellor.
Several riders have completed every single Odyssey to date and are planning to return in 2015. This is what they had to say about the event.
"Great variety with fire trails, tight single track, swooping berms and jumps, steep climbs all in beautiful eucalypt forest," said David Rusden.
"Sweet flowing tracks; punchy, blood pumping uphills and attention grabbing downhills - riding the Otways is a unique spiritual experience," said Dave Scarlett.
"Something for everyone, very technical descents to flowing single track and lots of climbing. An achievable challenge," said Liam McCrory.
"It’s the excitement, the challenge, the vibe on event day, the people out on the trails and a weekend away with great mountain biking buddies," said Bevan Kerr.
The event includes a massive Event Festival that’s great for spectators with pit lane, food vendors, beer garden, live music and MTB expo.
The quality of the riding and the superb scenery, combined with the Event Festival at the finish line make this the ultimate mountain bike marathon in Australia.
Entries to the 2015 Giant Odyssey are now open online at www.GiantOdyssey.com.au
