All content for Rapid Ascent is the property of rapidascent and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to the Rapid Ascent Podcast. Experts in adventure since 2004. Run, ride, swim, paddle. Bringing you the best in endurance.
Ep 19: How to Win The Otway Odyssey with Tali Lane Welsh
Rapid Ascent
1 hour 5 minutes
4 days ago
Ep 19: How to Win The Otway Odyssey with Tali Lane Welsh
What does it take to not just win the Otway Odyssey, but to dominate it from the front, leaving a field of world-class athletes in your dust? In this episode, we do a deep dive with Tali Lane Welsh on his incredible solo victory at the Otway Odyssey In 2024.
Tali got away early and, in the words of Australian MTB legend Dan McConnell, "No one seemed to give him much respect". He then proceeded to build a five-minute gap on a field of champions, World Cup riders and Olympians. How did he do it? Was he worried about blowing up? And what was going through his mind as he faced the final, brutal climbs with cramps setting in?
This episode is a masterclass for any endurance athlete on race strategy, mental fortitude, and the physical preparation required to achieve a peak performance. Tali shares the insane power numbers behind his ride (4.3 w/kg for over four hours!), his nutrition strategy, and the psychological battle of being the lone rider out in front.
In this episode, we discuss:
•The Race-Winning Strategy: How Tali planned his attack and built an insurmountable lead.
•Mind-Blowing Power Data: The exact wattage and watts-per-kilo Tali held for over 4 hours and on the key climbs.
•The Mental Game of a Solo Breakaway: How to handle the pressure when you're the rabbit everyone is chasing.
•Nutrition & Pacing: How Tali fueled his ride and managed his effort to avoid blowing up.
•Overcoming Suffering: The story of cramping on the final climb and having to get off the bike and run!
•Training Insights: How Tali balances road and mountain bike training to achieve peak fitness.
This isn't just a race recap; it's a blueprint for how to prepare for, execute, and win your biggest races. If you've ever wondered what it takes to have a truly legendary day on the bike, you can't miss this episode.
Resources: Learn about the 20th Otway Odyssey weekend here: 👉 https://bit.ly/Otway-Odyssey-Weekend-2026
Follow Tali Lane Welsh on Instagram:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/talilanewelsh
Rapid Ascent
Welcome to the Rapid Ascent Podcast. Experts in adventure since 2004. Run, ride, swim, paddle. Bringing you the best in endurance.