Giant Odyssey 2016
Giant Odyssey 2016 Entries Have Taken Off
News Release (Rapid Ascent) / 12.10.2015
Entries have opened for the 2016 Giant Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon, set for Saturday 20 February on the phenomenal trails around Forrest, South-West Victoria.
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 event expo in Forrest.
The 2016 edition will be the 10th anniversary of the event and will see several new race formats added to the program to cater for riders of all levels.
In addition to the main 100km Giant Odyssey and the 50km Giant Shorty races, new for 2016 will be the medium distance 30km Giant Rookie event designed for novice mountain bikers and capable junior riders who are looking for a race to match their skills and help them set up to bigger challenges.
Other evolutions mean that the Giant Pioneer will be shortened from 15km to 10km to be even more welcoming to kids and there’s also a new Grommets Ride for little kids on pedal bikes and balance bikes, with several riding activities around the Event Expo precinct.
Each race includes some of the best mountain bike single track in Australia with the renowned Forrest trails providing scope for some great riding.
Over 100 people have entered the 2016 event within the first 24 hours of entries being open, including several high profile mountain bikers such as last year’s female winner Jenni King.
“The Odyssey is one of the classic marathon events on the Australian calendar. The 100km course is one of the most demanding yet also rewarding with such a diverse range of trails. Winning the Odyssey last year was one of the highlights of my season, especially given this event attracts most of Australia's top mountain bikers. It certainly wasn't an easy victory with some close racing and I definitely don't expect 2016's edition to be any easier,” said Jenni King.
Race organisers at Rapid Ascent are planning for another big year with over 4,000 plus competitors and spectators expected for the event.
“We’re so excited to be celebrating 10 years of the Odyssey,” said Sam Maffett, General Manager, Rapid Ascent.
“The Odyssey has had a huge following right from the word go with the inaugural in 2017 selling out and over 1,000 riders participating every year since. This is primarily due to the extensive network of single track in Forrest that the course takes advantage of and the great setting in the Otways.”
“In 2016 we’re introducing some shorter race distances to attract more novice and young riders to help develop the sport and also to build upon the great atmosphere at the event,” said Maffett.
Many of the events previous winners will be returning to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the event including dual winner Peta Mullens.
“The Odyssey was my first real marathon so it brings back memories of youth, inexperience, naivety, struggle and exhaustion. Now I feel like a seasoned veteran and can enjoy the trails but the struggle is still real! I’m proud of the fact that I’m the only female to have won it twice, but I’m disappointed the Queen of the Mountain title still eludes me! I’ll try to tick that box in 2016,” said Peta Mullens, winner in 2011 and 2012.
Several riders have completed every single Odyssey to date and are planning to return in 2016. This is what some had to say about the event.
"I return because it is such a big time race in my world. It has all things amplified; the steepness of the climbs, the radness of the descents, the depth of the field and the awesome vibe that Forrest has over that weekend. It rocks," said Jason Archer.
“I love returning to the Giant Odyssey each year for the stunning location, quality trails and the friendly vibe out on course but above all it's the challenge of completing one of the toughest marathon races on the calendar. I do lots of races each year but when you roll up to the start line of the Giant Odyssey you know you’re in for an adventure!” said Neville Bird.
"I just totally love Forrest and the riding that's on offer down there; it’s always a great race format with plenty of quality single track. It’s a race that has a fantastic mix of pleasure and pain. Nothing better than a weekend away and a big day on the bike with my riding besties! Hard to believe it's been 10 years” 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.
To add extra incentive for past competitors to attend the event, Rapid Ascent has teamed with naming rights sponsor Giant to offer a brand new Giant Anthem 27.5 1 to a competitor who beats their 2015 finish time in 2016. All competitors who beat their 2015 finish time will automatically go in the draw to win. Terms and conditions apply.
Entries to the 2016 Giant Odyssey are now open online at www.GiantOdyssey.com.au
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