Otway Odyssey MTB presented By FOCUS
Mullens makes history and McConnell outsprints at the Otway Odyssey
Press Release / 25.02.2023
For 17 years the township of Forrest in Victoria has welcomed riders to the Otway Odyssey MTB Marathon presented by FOCUS and once again we’ve been witness to another fiercely contested race on Saturday 25 February, 2023.
The event’s high standard is a natural allure to many of Australia’s best mountain bike riders and this year was no exception with Peta Mullens making history and Dan McConnell outsprinting the field as they take finish line honours in the prestigious 100km race.
Mullens secured her history-making 7th Otway Odyssey MTB title in the female division, powering through the course with inspiring determination to clock a time of 5:25:10.
“I had a consistent smooth day so I think we should call Chris Jongewaard because I’m one up on him now with the most Odyssey wins!” laughed Mullens.
Mullens fought her way to the front of the field ahead of multiple National MTB Champion and Olympic representative Henderson who unfortunately suffered mechanicals through the race. Henderson finished in 5:31:13, with in-form Samara Sheppard coming home third in 5:32:31.
But it was Mullen’s day as she simultaneously showed why she’s the champion she is, with respect for her competitors’ Henderson and Sheppard.
“Bec’s definitely a better bike rider, however I think my consistency on the Odyssey course paid off – it’s my favourite marathon!” said Mullens. “It was unfortunate she had a bit of trouble with her puncture; and then Samara’s mechanical too – but I’m flattered to be on the podium with these girls” said Mullens.
Henderson may not have had the race she planned but it was great to hear her respect for the event and the raw race account.
“Obviously not quite as planned today with a flat tyre and wheel change; and to be fair I lost the race vibe a bit,” said Henderson. “It’s one thing to be lonely out the front; but when you’re lonely and you don’t know where you are in the race, it’s very different.”
“The Odyssey is always a good day out though; I’ve always received a really warm welcome and it’s what’s brought me back the last three years,” added Henderson.
The bets were on early for the men’s division as the solid field put on a brilliant showcase of technical mountain bike riding on the infamous tough trails in the Otway’s.
Locked and loaded for the most part of the 100km course saw McConnell outsprint 2022 Odyssey winner Brendan Johnson to post an impressive finishing time of 4:36:20 for the win, just two seconds clear of Johnson in 4:36:22. Multiple King of the Otways Winner Tasman Nankervis was only 17 seconds back in third place (4:36:39).
“It was a really hard day as the Odyssey always is so I’m super happy to come in with the win!” said McConnell.
“I was a bit worried about that last loop so thought I’d put a bit of pressure on through the single track sections,” said McConnell. “I don’t think there was a word spoken in that last bit; both Trekky (Johnson) and I held our cards pretty close - neither of us wanted to do too much or we’d get under attack!”
From Johnson’s perspective, “That was harder than I was expecting with AJ detonating everyone including himself in the middle single track, so it’s always satisfying to get it done,” said Johnson. “I put the pressure on where I could but Dan was with me all the time, right to the massive sprint at the end!”
The 50km Otway Shorty event was also held and was equally as challenging especially on some of the new single track sections incorporated in to the 2023 course. The men’s’ race was won by Eddie Worrall in 2:23:12, with Sam Harberts in second place (2:25:02) and Cameron Bayly only just behind in third (2:25:04).
Worrall couldn’t’ wipe the smile of his face with the win.
“It was savage out there; wet and hard to see, but far out it’s so awesome!” said Worrall. “I come from a road background so to mix it up on the trails, it’s just so much better because everyone’s chilled out; everyone’s gee’d up, it’s unreal!”
Elizabeth Nuspan was our female 50km winner in a time of 2:46:18. It was Nuspan’s first time at the Odyssey, surprising herself with the win after a bit of encouragement on course and shaking off the pre-race nerves.
“It was a really tough course and I wasn’t expecting it to rain too so with the conditions really grippy and some encouragement from the boys, I was stoked to come through first!” said Nuspan.
Young-gun Ruby Taylor was in second place (2:48:09) and Wendy McAlpine in third (2:49:53).
The events continue tomorrow, Sunday 26 February, with 300 riders in the 30km Odyssey Rookie which incorporates our Odyssey Angels (female-only) race start and initiatives. Results will be found live online HERE.
The Great Otway Gravel Grind (known as “The GOGG”) is also on Sunday’s program with many Odyssey riders backing-up. Races include the Big Ring 97km, and Small Ring 49km courses, both featuring the smooth rolling dirt roads of the Otway Ranges, and the popular time-out zones.
Part of the 2023 Grand Fondo World Tour – Gravel Series, each GOGG participant will receive ranking according to their finish result and be able to compare to riders across the World.
Event organisers Rapid Ascent were thrilled with the riding on show so far this weekend.
“This really is one of the best mountain biking weekends down here in the Otways, despite the cooler conditions,” said General Manager, Sam Maffett.
“Riding these courses isn’t for the faint hearted – and that’s why we love designing courses that feature those long flowing sections of single track and the many lung-busting climbs,” said Maffett. “It was great to see the riders rise to the challenge and cross the finish line with big wet and dusty smiles.”
“Thank you to everyone for continually supporting the Odyssey event weekend as we celebrate 17 years; and to the locals of Forrest who frequently dedicate their time to helping maintain these epic trails,” said Maffett.
2023 Full Results: CLICK HERE
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