Welcome to the Rapid Ascent Podcast. Experts in adventure since 2004. Run, ride, swim, paddle. Bringing you the best interviews with some remarkable participants from Rapid Ascent endurance events.
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In this episode of the Rapid Ascent Podcast, Jez sits down with one of the most understated yet profoundly dominant forces in the Aussie trail running scene: Piotr Babis. Originally from Poland and now a Park Ranger based at Fortescue Bay, Piotr has been quietly chipping away at some of the most brutal Fastest Known Times (FKTs) in Australia. From the Southwest Traverse to the Overland Track,…
What does it take to go from crashing twice in your first race to becoming one of Australia's most formidable off-road endurance athletes? In this episode, Jez sits down with Courtney Sherwell — dual Australian National Champion, 3x Queen of the Otways, and self-funded privateer who placed 7th in the 2025 Life Time Grand Prix. Courtney's story is one of pure grit, resilience, and an unwavering…
What does it take to WIN an elite mountain biking championship WHILE working as a high-powered lawyer? In this episode, we sit down with James Kelly to deconstruct his incredible journey to claim the green and gold at the 2025 XCM Nationals. He shares the training secrets, mental tactics, and the one race that changed everything, offering a blueprint for balancing a demanding career with elite…
Get ready for a rip-snorter of an episode! We're back from our summer break with a massive chat with one of the most underrated cyclists on the Aussie scene, Brent Rees. This young gun has been tearing it up, from out-sprinting the big names to win the 2023 Australian National Marathon Champs to back-to-back Oceania titles. He recently went toe-to-toe with some of the world's best at Radl Grvl in…
In this episode, Jeremy sits down with his own coach, renowned Australian cycling coach Adam Kelsall, to tackle one of the hottest topics in sport right now: can you trust AI to build your training plan? Jeremy reveals he used a specialised AI tool, Manus, to create a full suite of training plans for every event at the Otway Odyssey. But with the finished product in hand, he lacks the confidence…
What does it truly take to be a champion? In this episode, Jez sits down with Brendan "Trekky" Johnston — one of Australia’s most accomplished and respected cyclists — for a conversation that goes far beyond race results. While his six National Titles and victories at iconic races like the Melbourne to Warnambool and Otway Odyssey are legendary, it’s the story of how he got there that offers a…
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…
What if you had to choose between a pro cycling career and your love for the sport? Australian mountain bike legend Peta Mullens made that exact choice in her early 20s — walking away from a world tour road career to rediscover her passion on the trails. Fast forward to today, she's a 15 time National Champion (across multiple disciplines), the winningest Otway Odyssey champion – with 7 Odyssey…
Episode Summary In this episode, Jez sit down with Australian ultra-running sensation Holly Ranson, just 11 days before she attempts to break the 24-hour ultra running world record in France. Holly shares her incredible journey from professional triathlete and NRS cyclist to a dominant force in the world of ultra-endurance running (she's only a few laps of Courtney Dewaulter on the Backyard Ultra…
In this episode, we sit down with Kate Kellett to hear the incredible story of her nine-year journey to become the 2023 Elite Women's 24-Hour Solo World Champion. From a late start in the sport to a nail-biting finish in the final hours of the world championships, Kate's story is one of incredible resilience, dedication, and the power of a supportive team. Join us as we delve into the physical and…
