Giant Odyssey this weekend

Press Release / 17.02.2016

­This weekend will see over 1,100 competitors take on the 10th edition of the Giant Odyssey mountain bike marathon in Forrest. The Giant Odyssey has a reputation for being one of the toughest and most respected mountain bike events in Australia. It is held on some of the best MTB single track in the country, centred on the mountain biking mecca of Forrest in the Great Otway National Park. The event on Saturday 20 February has four race distances to test riders of every level – 100km, 50km 30km and 10km – plus a new Giant Grommets ride and activities for little kids.

Many of these events previous winners will be returning to contest and celebrate the 10th anniversary edition of the Odyssey, including: 6-time winner Chris Jongewaard, Murray Spink, Adrian Jackson, Peta Mullens, Renata Bucher, Rebecca Locke and Jenni King. “It's an event not to be missed, honestly. I make this race a priority each year because of two things: the trails are just so fun to ride, especially the Red Carpet area, and secondly the sheer challenge of testing my fitness in every way. Knowing I’ve won this event 6 times is a little hard to believe sometimes but I have great respect for this race and never underestimate the challenges it holds,” said Chris Jongewaard.

Other high profile riders competing will include Paul van der Ploeg - Current National Cyclocross World Champion, Jessica Douglas - 3 x World Solo 24Hr Champion, Phil Anderson – former pro cyclist and Tour de France yellow jersey rider, Chris Hamilton – current U23 National Road Champion, Justin Morris – former pro cyclist, Shaun Lewis, Naomi Williams, Tom Ovens and James Downing. Also competing are 8 people who have completed the 100km Odyssey every year since the event started in 2007, known as the ‘Odyssey Faithfuls’. They are Jessica Douglas, Neville Bird, Lee Floyd, Brian John, Bevan Kerr, David Rusden, Dave Scarlett and Craig Sullivan.

“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. The event includes a massive event festival that’s great for spectators with pit lane, the finish line, food vendors, beer garden, live music and mountain bike expo. Late entries will be available at the event expo at the Forrest Football Ground on from 4pm – 8pm Friday and from 6am on Saturday morning. Details at www.GiantOdyssey.com.au

EVENT DETAILS:
Date:        Saturday 20 February 2016
Location:    Forrest, Otway National Park, Victoria
Distances:    
100km Giant Odyssey
Elite women start at 7:00am
All other 100km riders (including elite men) start at 7:30am
50km Giant Shorty – starting at 8:00am
30km Giant Rookie – starting at 9:20am
10km Giant Pioneer – starting at 2:30pm
Giant Grommets – entries from 12:00pm, starts at 1:00pm
Competitors:     The full competitor list is available here
Event Expo:    A massive bike, food and entertainment expo at Forrest Football Ground

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