Rapid Ascent have confirmed that the Otway Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon and Great Otway Gravel Grind events are proceeding as planned this Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st February at Forrest, Victoria. This go ahead is based upon the public advice given by Victorian Premier Dan Andrews at the press conference this morning.
There are a couple of changes required, notably wearing a mask in the start chute, and any spectators or supporters wearing masks as well. But the event programs on the race website have all the details.
“The Odyssey is one of the best weekends you can have on two wheels and we are excited we can still (COVID-safely) welcome riders this weekend and experience first hand the history of such a reputable mountain bike event.” Said Sam Maffett, General Manager, Rapid Ascent.
Celebrating 15 years this weekend, the event courses include the premier 100km mountain bike race starting at Apollo Bay, along with the 50km, 30km and 10km races, and the ‘Grommets ride’ for kids at Forrest.
On Sunday the Great Otway Gravel Grind—known as “the GOGG”— returns for its fifth year with 97km and 49km course options complimenting the mountain bike events.
Returning to its’ roots, the 100km race is known as the stuff of legends, and with an increased prize pool of $9,600, entries have surpassed organisers expectations, cementing it as Australia’s most respected mountain bike race.
Lots of big names in mountain biking will be starting, including current National XCO Champions Bec and Dan McConnell; Team Roxsolt Liv SRAM – Australia’s only UCI Continental Women’s Team with the likes of 6-time Odyssey Winner Peta Mullens, and team-mates Courtney Sherwell, current U19 National Champion Izzy Flint, Neve Bradbury, Saffron Button and Justine Barrow; along with Russell and Tasman Nankervis, Cam Ivory, Brendan Johnston, Sam Chancellor, Scott Chancellor, Steele Von Hoff, Zoe Cuthbert, Justin Morris and Sam Fox, to name a few.
All races will finish amidst a huge bike expo and food festival at the Forrest Football Ground.
Good luck to everyone racing!