Entries Open for Giant Odyssey MTB Marathon

News Release (Rapid Ascent) / 02.10.2013

Rapid Ascent is pleased to welcome Giant Bicycles Australia as the new naming rights sponsor of the legendary Giant Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon set for Sunday 27^th April 2014 in Forrest, South-West Victoria, with entries now open.

“Giant Bicycles Australia is extremely proud to be partnering with Rapid Ascent as naming rights sponsor of the Giant Odyssey.” Said Ben Johnson, Brand Manager, Giant Bicycles Australia.

“We have a long history of supporting local athletes and events at both elite and grass roots level which makes the Giant Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon a great event for us to be involved with.” Johnson said.

First held in 2007, the Giant Odyssey is regarded as one of Australia’s most challenging and rewarding mountain bike marathons thanks to the mix of hills provided by the Otway Ranges, and the quality single track built around the mountain bike mecca of Forrest, Victoria.

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 providing challenging, scenic, fun and dirty courses.

“The essence of the Odyssey is a long day out in the big hills with epic single track and bombing descents!” said Adrian Jackson – 2011 Race Winner and 6-time Odyssey elite rider.

Starting and finishing at the Forrest Football Oval in Forrest, the 100km mountain bike marathon will use the same course as 2013 which saw the inclusion of a new looped race that brought fast flowing single track and some new lung-busting hills to the race.

Previously held in February, the Giant Odyssey will take place on a new date in April 2014 after the CFA and other emergency services asked us to move the event out of peak fire season, and at a time more conducive to rider-friendly weather.

Many of the nation’s top mountain bike riders form part of the 4,000 competitors and spectators who are annually attracted to the heroic race that contributed $2 million dollars to the local economy in 2013.

“The Giant Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon has been a highlight of the mountain bike calendar for many years and we look forward to growing the continued success of the event.” Johnson said.

The quality of the riding and the superb scenery, combined with a massive bike expo with food stands, live music and entertainment at the finish line make this the ultimate mountain bike marathon in Australia.

Entries are now open online, with all participants receiving the official event memorabilia t-shirt.

EVENT DETAILS:

·         Date:                     Sunday 27 April, 2014

·         Location:             Forrest, Otway National Park, Victoria

·         Distances:          100km Giant Odyssey 
                                        50km Giant Shorty 
                                        15km Giant Pioneer

·         Festival:               Finish your quest with a feast at the bike, food and entertainment expo

·         Entries:                Now Open at www.giantodyssey.com.au

PHOTO CREDIT: www.SuperSportImages.com

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