Launch of 1-year Countdown to Sea Otter Australia with Mogo Mania Stage Race

Mogo Mania Kicks Off Sea Otter Australia Countdown

Batemans Bay, NSW – The highly anticipated Sea Otter Australia cycling festival took a significant step closer to reality with the launch of the Mogo Mania Superflow® stage race on the Mogo Trails on the weekend of 26+27 October 2024. The competition marked the official one-year countdown to the inaugural Sea Otter Australia, set to take place from October 22-26, 2025 in Batemans Bay – in the Eurobodalla Shire region, which has emerged as a “growth hotspot for movers” according to the Regional Movers Index published last month.

*Capes for the first “Mogo Maniacs” – the Champions of the 2-day Stage Race.*

Mogo Mania: A Taste of What’s to Come

The Mogo Mania Superflow® stage race served as a thrilling preview of what riders can expect at Sea Otter Australia. The event showcased the stunning Mogo Trails, challenging riders of all levels with its diverse terrain and technical sections in the Mogo State Forest.

The event confirmed the growing popularity of mountain biking in the region, attracting a diverse field of 330 competitors, including a strong contingent of young riders: over 120 competitors (37%) were under 17 years old! With the Mogo Mania, Rocky Trail generated significant economic impact for the Eurobodalla region, with over 789 nights of accommodation booked and an estimated $240,000 injected into the local economy by overnight and day visitors on the weekend. The event also drew visitors from across Australia, with significant representation from Canberra, the Illawarra, and interstate states like Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. This influx of visitors highlights the potential of cycling events to boost local tourism and support regional businesses.

Jarrad Davis from Wollongong, who grew up in Batemans Bay, emerged as the inaugural Mogo Maniac, claiming victory in a closely contested race. The Mogo Trails win by the recent Bronze medalist in the National Gravity Enduro Championships in WA win further highlighted the growing excitement surrounding the Mogo Trails and the potential of the Eurobodalla region as a premier cycling destination.

*(l-r): Lewis Allbon (2nd), Jarrad Davis (1st), Morgan Fitzgerald (3rd)*

Day one of the race saw intense competition on the challenging Mogo Trig Zone. Canberra’s Lewis Allbon took the early lead, but Davis, fueled by local knowledge and a strong performance, closed the gap on day two.

“Winning the Mogo Mania was a dream come true. Growing up in Batemans Bay, I’ve come back home and spent countless hours riding these trails these last three months. To be the first to claim the title on home turf is truly special. The Mogo Trails are world-class, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this incredible place.” – Jarrad Davis

The final day’s racing at the Botanic Garden Zone was a nail-biter, with Davis delivering a stellar performance to secure the overall win.

Kate Shapely claimed the women’s title, showcasing the depth of talent in Australian women’s mountain biking.

The Mogo Mania event showcased the incredible talent of local riders. Morgan Fitzgerald (11:59.4) from Tomakin and Andrew Crimmins (12:09.3) from Dalmeny secured impressive third and fourth positions respectively in the Elite Men’s category, proving that home-court advantage can be a powerful force. Kyle Wilkinson from Cudlee Creek in South Australia came in fifth (12:40.7). Additionally, locals dominated various categories across the Mogo Maniac classification, highlighting the deep pool of talent within the region: More locals on the Mogo Maniac podium top also included, Jack Marsh (Expert), Kalani Baty (U15 Female), Steve Wright (SuperMaster 50+), Michael Frost (Hardtail) and eBiker Melissa Mitchell (Female GasGas Electroflow).

This strong local performance not only thrilled the home crowd but also solidified the Mogo Trails as a breeding ground for future cycling stars.

Sea Otter Australia: A Game-Changer for the Australian Cycling Industry

Sea Otter Australia is poised to redefine the cycling landscape in Australia. As the first industry and consumer event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, it will attract thousands of riders, industry professionals, and enthusiasts from around the globe.

The festival will feature world-class racing on the Mogo Trails, a thrilling industry summit, and a massive industry tradeshow and consumer expo. This comprehensive event will showcase the latest cycling products, technologies, and industry trends, while fostering a vibrant community of riders and enthusiasts.

A Bright Future for the Eurobodalla Region

The Regional Australia Institute’s Regional Movers Index last week revealed a significant trend in the Eurobodalla region. With a 311% increase in net internal migration inflow in the quarter ending June 2024 compared to the previous year, the region emerged as a “growth hotspot for movers.” This influx of residents, including young professionals and families, is a testament to the region’s growing appeal as a desirable place to live and work.

For Jarrad Davis, a local talent who has thrived on the Mogo Trails, this demographic shift underscores the region’s burgeoning cycling community and its potential to attract world-class riders and events.

*l-r: Bob Morris, Juliane Wisata, Jarrad Davis, Jo Parker, Mayor Mathew Hatcher, Martin Wisata – The Rocky Trail management with the Mogo Maniac Champion and Eurobodalla Shire Mayor*

Sea Otter Australia is expected to have a significant economic impact on the Eurobodalla region, attracting visitors from across Australia and internationally, said Mayor Hatcher who joined the race prize ceremony on the Sunday. He said that the event will boost local businesses, create jobs, and showcase the region’s stunning natural beauty and world-class cycling infrastructure.

“This event will not only elevate Batemans Bay as a world-class cycling destination but also boost the local economy and tourism industry. By attracting riders and industry professionals from around the globe, Sea Otter Australia will put the NSW South Coast on the international map.” – Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor, Mathew Hatcher

About Sea Otter Australia

With the Main Event Hub at the Hanging Rocky Recreational and Sports Precinct in the heart of Batemans Bay, Sea Otter Australia is a premier cycling festival that combines world-class racing, an industry expo, and a celebration of cycling culture. The event is designed to inspire and engage riders of all ages and abilities, from seasoned professionals to weekend warriors.

The past six months have been a period of significant growth and achievement for the Rocky Trail team, including over 110 national and international brands already confirmed to exhibit at Hanging Rock in October 2025.

Mayor Mathew Hatcher, who attended the Mogo Mania prize ceremony, credited the team’s commitment to the region and their vision for Sea Otter Australia. As such, Rocky Trail have successfully relocated their event, MTB destination development and trail-based tourism consulting operations to Batemans Bay, placing themselves at the heart of the region and contributing to the recent surge in population growth highlighted by the Regional Movers Index.

Sea Otter Australia Website

As the countdown to Sea Otter Australia begins, the excitement is palpable. The core leadership and events delivery team was in the region all week to commence the planning, inlcuding Head of Events, Sport and Summit. The crew managed the Mogo Mania event and is ready to take it to the “next level” with Sea Otter Australia – this event is set to become a landmark moment for Australian cycling.