As was reported last week entries to the 2011 Otway Odyssey in Victoria, Australia are filling up fast. Total entries are capped at 1750 across the three distances (15, 50 and 100 kilometres). The 100 kilometre has a AU$30,000 prize purse on offer, and nation’s top riders always attend en masse. It appears to be no different for 2011.
2011 sees ‘The Otway’ fall just one week prior to the Cross Country National Championships. How this will effect the result will only be known on the afternoon of Saturday 19th February, 2011. Some racers may be able to pull off a rich win at the Otway, but will they recover in time to contest the National Championship the following weekend? Will the allure of a big winners cheque prevail over the pride of racing for the National Title? Can a truly outstanding rider dominate in both events? Late February will be an exciting time for Australian Mountain Biking, and will provide us with some answers.
The entry list already carries names like Jess Douglas, Niki Fisher, Vanina Vergoz and Peta Mullens among many other contenders for the Open Womens event. The mens event boasts Rohin Adams, Dylan Cooper, Matt Fleming, Pete Hatton and Dan McConnell – all strong riders. But the talent runs deeper as time progresses, especially with the recent entry of the Rockstar Racing team.
The entry list can be seen here.