Otway Odyssey MTB presented By FOCUS
Another Huge Field to Contest This Weekend's Otway Odyssey
Press Release / 22.02.2022
The Otway Odyssey has continuously attracted many of Australia’s best mountain bike riders and the 16th year of the event is set to be one of the most competitive yet with another large field of 1,600 riders expected.
The Otway Odyssey MTB Marathon and Great Otway Gravel Grind hits the township of Forrest in Victoria this weekend, 26 – 27 February 2022.
Reigning champion and 4 x Olympian Dan McConnell will line up for the 100km MTB event, with challenges no doubt coming from the likes of Brendan ‘Trekky’ Johnson who placed 3rd at the Australian Road Champs; Chris Jongewaard – a 5-time winner of the race; Cam Ivory who was 3rd at 2022 XC Nationals and Odyssey guns Sam Fox, Tasman and Russell Nankervis, Adrian Jackson and Rohan Adams.
“I have some really great memories around the Odyssey from the early years against Jongewaard; the trails and fun team vibes,” said McConnell. “But this is a super tough track – anyone who gets through the course should be super happy!”
In the women’s 100km event, 6-time Odyssey Champion and course record holder Peta Mullens will be putting everyone on the line as she takes on reigning champion Bec McConnell who continues her streak of National Championship Titles and is a 3-time Olympic representative. Both riders are in form and go head-to-head for the first time at the Odyssey this Saturday, along with the talented U23 rider Izzy Flint and fast-paced Em Viotto.
Mullens says “It’s still my favourite course, in my favourite setting, at the best time of year!”
After Bec McConnell’s 2021 Odyssey win, she said “The Odyssey certainly lives up to it’s reputation; and that single track is something that really works for me especially if I’m fresh enough to ride it well.”
The 2022 edition of the event continues its’ refinement and evolution with a number of course tweaks and a rejigged schedule
Races include the premier 100km and 50km mountain bike races that will start and finish in Forrest on Saturday amidst a huge bike expo on the Forrest Football Ground; along with the 30km and 10km MTB races on Sunday.
“We’ve purposely made the premier courses tough!” said Event Director and course designer John Jacoby. “It is going to be a true test of skill and endurance where riders will experience plenty of flowing single track and blitzing descents, but will be challenged by a number of lung-busting climbs!”
Complimenting the MTB races is the Great Otway Gravel Grind—known as “The GOGG”— returning for its sixth year with 500 participants ready to tackle the 97km and 49km course options.
The gravel grind courses sweep through the smooth rolling dirt roads that permeate the Otway Ranges surrounding Forrest; and include the popular ‘time-out zones’.
The weekend will also see the continuation of the Odyssey Angel's program which offers encouragement and support to female riders at the event, including their own 30km race start on Sunday.
“The Odyssey really is one of the best weekends you can have on two wheels and we can’t wait see the trails of the Otways come alive for riders to experience the thrills of such a reputable mountain bike event.” said Rapid Ascent General Manager, Sam Maffett.
Entries to the 2022 Otway Odyssey and Great Otway Gravel Grind are still open online at www.OtwayOdyssey.com.au and www.TheGOGG.com.au for last minute additions fearing fomo.
EVENT OVERVIEW:
Date: Saturday 26 February and Sunday 27 February, 2022
Course Distances/Events:
·Odyssey 100km (Saturday)
·Shorty 50km (Saturday)
·Rookie 30km – including the Odyssey Angels – now on Sunday!
·Pioneer 10km (Sunday)
·Grommets Ride (Saturday)
·GOGG Big Ring 97km (Sunday)
·GOGG Little Ring 49km (Sunday)
Location: Forrest, Otway National Park, Victoria
Event Expo: A massive bike, food and entertainment expo at Forrest Football Ground
Entries: Online at www.OtwayOdyssey.com.au or www.TheGOGG.com.au
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