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The countdown is on for the largest edition of the Life Time Sea Otter Classic presented by Continental, set for April 18 to 21, 2024, in Monterey, California.
Held at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, the 34th edition of the festival promises to be a four-day celebration of cycling with more brands and more races than before.
The Sea Otter Expo continues to break new ground with more than 1,000 brands from across the globe in attendance – making it the world’s largest consumer bicycle exhibition.
Demonstrations will be offered by emerging start-ups to industry leaders, with bikes and other new products on hand for visitors to sample, along with demonstrations and meet and greet opportunities with cycling personalities.
In addition to the expo, this year’s show will feature 14 races and rides designed to challenge more than 6,000 athletes of all ages, levels and disciplines.
The headline race event is the Fuego XL 100k on April 19 which kicks off the 2024 Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda.
This year, the Series prize purse is a record $300,000 and Sofia Gomez Villafane and Keegan Swenson will both return to defend their titles. The Fuego XL 100k also doubles as a qualifier for the storied Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB as riders vie for their spot on the start line in Colorado this August.
Additionally, the Dual Slalom presented by Fox Racing will also bring MTB talent and a new-and-improved gravel race will skip the singletrack for a purer gravel experience.
As a bonus this year, the event organisers have enlisted renowned chef, Biju Thomas, to curate a complimentary buffet lunch for cyclists as they refuel and replenish in the Casa Amigos Riders’ Lounge following each ride. Entry to the Lounge is free for all riders.
Aside from races, a host of recreational rides will be available to soak up the views of Monterey and the Salinas Valley.
Off the bike, the event will feature an unprecedented selection of local food and drink options in The Feed Zone, Village Food Court, Brews & Bites area and Sierra Nevada Beer Garden.
Participants also can enjoy a host of entertainment options, including shows from the likes of Duncan Shaw and Kenny Belaey.
The Sea Otter Classic is a family event with many special activities planned for kids. Children 12 and under receive a free Festival Pass and on Family Day (Sunday, April 21), up to two adults may take advantage of free admission if attending with a child.
The woom Kids’ Zone is back this year, allowing children to hone their bike skills on age and skill-appropriate obstacles. A separate area will be dedicated to those just learning to ride.
Frank Yohannan, founder and event director of the Life Time Sea Otter Classic, said: “The Life Time Sea Otter Classic is a playground for cycling enthusiasts and the 34th edition is shaping up to be the biggest and best one yet.
“Our Expo sales have exceeded all previous records with more exhibitors continuing to join. Our booths are where you’ll find the hottest products, latest tech and brightest minds in the cycling industry, all in the same place. The scope of our Expo is larger than ever and participants will have unprecedented access to the latest products and tech, along with opportunities to meet star riders from every cycling discipline.
“We’re also excited to introduce new initiatives which make us so much more than just a cycling event. We deliver an unparalleled celebration of community and camaraderie, where attendees can connect with fellow riders, share stories, and forge lifelong friendships in a welcoming and inclusive environment. We can’t wait.”
For more information including opening times, parking, travel, accommodation and camping options, visit seaotterclassic.com
