Willett on Track for Fifth Epic Title

News Release / 13.09.2013

Reigning champion Jodie Willett has sounded a warning to her rivals as she chases a record fifth victory in this weekend’s Flight Centre Active Travel Cycle Epic marathon.

Brisbane-based Willett will compete against some of Australia’s elite mountain-bikers in the women’s section of the 87km event at Spicers Hidden Vale in the Lockyer Valley, west of Brisbane, on Sunday.

Willett said she had been training consistently over the past few months and had recently participated in the seven day TransRockies ride in Canada which she won with race partner, Cathy Zeglinski.

Expected hot conditions on Sunday and a dry and dusty track will make life tough for all competitors.

“The Epic course takes around five hours to complete and I’m fortunate to have a number of long rides under my belt in preparation for Sunday,” Willett said.

“Last year was a fast race for me but it is predicted to be a lot hotter on Sunday so we’ll see how I go.”

While Willett has dominated the Epic since her breakthrough win in 2007, she has a number of possible challenges from the likes of Anna Beck, Naomi Hansen and 2011 winner Jenni King.

Willett said the Hidden Vale Adventure Park course was one of her favourites because of the challenging tracks and stunning scenery.

“The track is a great challenge and includes a lot of single track riding and rough terrain which requires tougher technical racing,” she said.

“The track has changed a lot since the 2011 floods and I really like the fact that the course now starts and finishes at Spicers. It makes the whole event very family and friend oriented and it’s always very rewarding when you cross the finish line.”

Epic organiser and track builder Hayden Brooks said the event, now in its 11^th year, would break its all-time participation record this weekend with more than 2,000 riders.

The appearance of retired Australian road racing legend Robbie McEwen in the Epic marathon will add some interest to the 2013 event.

Two time winner and reigning champion Jason English of Port Macquarie will be favourite for the men’s marathon with strong competition from 2012 national marathon champion and cross country series champion Andy Blair and Shaun Lewis from the ACT.

The Epic weekend has multiple events and activities beyond the 87km marathon, including the 50km Pursuit, the 20km Spicers Chaser, Mini and Minor Epics for children, plus a 4.2km free Family Fun Ride.

The Flight Centre Cycle EPIC is on 14-15 September at Spicers Hidden Vale located at Grandchester, about 55 minutes’ drive from Brisbane.

For more information about the Epic go to: http://www.cycleepic.com.au/ or Facebook fb.com/hiddenvaleadventurepark

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