Racing heats up in the Otways

MORE than 1,000 participants took to the trails on the weekend in the Otway Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon.

The event saw riders from all over the world come to Forrest to test themselves on various terrains.

With temperatures exceeding 34 degrees Celsius and an “Extreme” Fire Danger Rating, organisers made the call to shorten the 100km Otway Odyssey event to 76km.

The main events were won by Brendan ‘Trekky’ Johnson and Izzy Flint.

 

Johnston claimed his third Odyssey men’s victory, finishing just five seconds clear of four-time Olympian Dan McConnell and Scott Bowden.

“It was a unique race today being that bit shorter so the pace was on early,” Johnston said.

“I got a gap in that first climb; but then I had a stick in my wheel so it was quite frustrating to lose the gap. I just had to play to my strengths

on the uphills and keep asking my legs for more.”

Women’s winner Flint made it four for four in the year’s MTB National Series.

Flint clocked a time of 4:12:38 on the 76km course, with USA-rider Melisa Rollins in second and seven-time Odyssey winner Peta Mullins coming in third.

 

“It’s been an awesome start to the year and I actually had so of fun out there,” Flint said.

“Melisa and I set a hard pace early on, but once I hit the single track, I felt good and just went from there.”

The 50km Otway Shorty events were won by Ryan Gilchrist and Katriina Dower.

Sunday’s Great Otway Gravel Grind rounded out the mountain biking extravaganza.

 

 

Race veteran Tasman Nankervis clocked win number seven in the 97km event, while Shelley Knowles took home top honours in the women’s field.

The day continued with quality riding in the 49km Gravel Grind.

First-timer Samuel Bush was victorious, as was Katriina Dower who backed up her 50km Otway Odyssey win.

The 30km Rookie event was won by Justin Vollerup and Leanne Williams.

 

Race organisers Rapid Ascent said they were thrilled with the weekend.

“These courses are no doubt challenging, and especially so in the heat today; but their tough for a reason;” Rapid Ascent general manager Sam Maffett said.

“It’s why we love designing courses that feature those long flowing sections of single track, and the gruelling climbs that leave a lasting memory of the Odyssey.”

“We’d like to thank everyone for continually supporting the Odyssey weekend; and to the locals of Forrest who dedicate their time to maintaining these epic trails.”