Fine margins make the difference at the Otway Odyssey

FANTASTIC racing at Saturday’s Otway Odyssey saw the event lift the heart rates of spectators and participants alike.

Robbie Hucker proved not only the best of this year’s field but also the best to ride the existing course, as he set a record time of four hours, 15 minutes and 39 seconds.

Hucker said he was delighted with how he tackled the 100-kilometre course.

“It was a good course; tough, hard work, but I just tried to keep my momentum and stay calm so I’m pretty happy with that.

“I knew my fitness was there off the road bike, my skills are a little bit less desirable but when I saw that the time was quick, I really tried to empty the tank to get the record.”

The mammoth ride on February 22 did little to separate Peta Mullens and Renata Butcher in the female category, as Mullens crossed the line just two seconds ahead of Butcher to win her sixth Otway Odyssey.

Mullens said it was a gruelling finish to the race.

“It was my 10th edition this year and my first sprint finish. I don’t think I want another one.

“Renata and I got a bit tactical towards the end. She attacked four or five times in the last few kilometres, so I knew a sprint finish was on our hands.”

The 50-kilometre Otway Shorty was won by Joshue Sek in the male category and Kim Willocks in the female category.

The 30-kilometre Otway Rookie and Odyssey Angels saw two incredibly close finishes.

Twin brothers Cohen and Jude Jenssen showed their likeness as Cohen took victory over his brother in the Otway Rookie by a single second.

Tami Iseli then won the inaugural Odyssey Angels event over Katrina Bennet by the same margin.

The following day saw the Great Otway Gravel Grind take place.

Peta Mullens showed no fatigue from Saturday, winning the 97-kilometre female race by more than seven minutes.

Her performances over the weekend saw her crowned Queen of the Otways.

The King of the Otways title went to Cameron Ivory. He finished second in the Odyssey and fourth in the Gravel Grind.

The winner of the male Gravel Grind was Tasman Nankervis, with Brendan Johnston finishing less than a minute behind.