Mullens makes history with Odyssey win

PETA Mullens made history in this year’s edition of the Otway Odyssey MTB Marathon, taking home her seventh line honours win in the women’s 100km division.

The annual event’s high standard has drawn Australia’s best mountain bike riders to Forrest for the past 17 years.

This year, both Mullens and men’s winner Dan McConnell outsprinted the field to reach the finish line on Saturday.

Mullens powered through the course 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!” Mullens said, laughing.

Mullens fought her way to the front of the field ahead of multiple National MTB Champion and Olympic representative Henderson, who unfortunately suffered mechanical issues through the race.

Henderson finished in 5:31:13, with in-form Samara Sheppard coming home third in 5:32:31.

 

“Bec’s definitely a better bike rider, however I think my consistency on the Odyssey course paid off – it’s my favourite marathon,” Mullens said.

It was anyone’s race early in the men’s division as the solid field put on a showcase of technical mountain bike riding on the tough trails in the Otways.

McConnell held off 2022 Odyssey winner Brendan Johnson to post a 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 behind 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,” McConnell said.

 

 

On Sunday, 300 riders took part in the 30km Odyssey Rookie, which included the Odyssey Angels (female-only) race start and initiatives; as well as the Great Otway Gravel Grind Races.

For full results, head to otwayodyssey.rapidascent.com.au/results/2023-results