Otway Odyssey MTB presented By FOCUS
Eighteen Years of Otway Odyssey MTB Celebrated this Weekend
Press Release / 23.02.2024
The highly anticipated Otway Odyssey MTB Marathon and Great Otway Gravel Grind presented by Focus is set for an adrenaline-filled weekend as 1,800 riders descend upon the town of Forrest, Victoria.
Forging legends for 18 years, the event takes place this Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th February, 2024.
The Otway Odyssey has long been regarded as a beacon for off-road cycling buffs, with the events’ unmatched high standard drawing participants from far and wide, and again confirming its’ status as Australia’s most iconic mountain bike event.
The mountain bike races offer a range of distances, including the premier 100km course, alongside 50km, 30km, and 10km MTB races, as well as the 'Grommets ride' designed especially for kids.
Among the elite competitors vying for glory in the prestigious 100km MTB race are multiple-National MTB Champions and Olympic representatives Bec Henderson and Dan McConnell.
Henderson, a two-time Odyssey title holder, will be up against Peta Mullens, the events’ most successful rider winning the 100km MTB an astounding 7 times!
“It’s my favourite MTB marathon,” said Mullens. “Challenging, tough and full of single track; and I think my consistency on the course pays off!”
In the fiercely contested elite female division, both Mullens and Henderson will be pushed to their limits by the likes of Zoe Cuthbert, Ella Bloor, Samara Sheppard and Courtney Sherwell – all whom have raced the epic trails of Forrest in recent years.
Nine out of the top 10 finishers in the 100km MTB men’s field are also returning and will be facing stiff competition with a line-up that includes reigning champion McConnell and past winners Brendan Johnston and Tasman Nankervis; as well as equally-strong riders Mitch Docker, Sam Fox, Scott Bowden and Sam Chancellor.
As McConnell says, “It’s always a hard day at the Odyssey!”
Competitors will race through forests tall and wild, over mountain ranges high and breath-taking, along single track shaped by the wheels of world champions and weekend warriors.
Event Director John Jacoby emphasized the demanding nature of the Odyssey courses, promising participants an unforgettable experience filled with epic descents and challenging climbs.
“We’ve purposely made these courses tough so riders’ can truly test their skill and endurance at an event with a long-standing history,” said Jacoby.
In addition to the MTB races, the Great Otway Gravel Grind, affectionately known as "The GOGG," will see yet another large field, with over 500 riders. This year marks the 8th edition with riders tackling the scenic 97km and 49km courses through the Otway Ranges.
Participants will traverse smooth, undulating dirt roads, and experience the popular 'time-out zones' where they can recharge with a coffee and enjoy sweeping views of the Great Ocean Road region without impacting their race time.
The weekend also includes the Odyssey Angel's program dedicated to fostering female riders’ involvement in off-road events, offering a number of engaging initiatives such as the optional female-only 30km race start on Sunday.
“We’re thrilled to welcome riders to another exhilarating weekend in the Otways," said Sam Maffett, General Manager of Rapid Ascent. "As the trails come alive, we can't wait to witness the passion, camaraderie, and sheer determination displayed by all riders!"
Entries are still open online right up until race morning, with all races starting and finishing amidst a huge bike expo and food festival at the Forrest Football Ground.
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