Sea Otter Classic Returns to Monterey Bay

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4 weeks ago

SANTA CRUZ — One of the world’s largest cycling festivals in the world will occur this month and Santa Cruz County residents can experience it with an easy day trip.

The Sea Otter Classic, held April 16–19 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, is expected to draw more than 75,000 spectators and nearly 10,000 athletes for four days of racing, riding and industry exhibitions.

While the event is based in Monterey County, its reach extends throughout the Monterey Bay, and for many in Santa Cruz County, it has become an annual outing.

Billed as the “world’s premier cycling festival,” the Sea Otter Classic features more than a dozen race disciplines, including mountain biking, road racing, gravel and downhill events. But for many, the main attraction isn’t the racing, it’s the expo. The event’s massive expo showcases more than 1,000 cycling brands from around the world, with opportunities to test ride new bikes, see new technology and meet professional riders.

Unlike many elite sporting events, the Sea Otter Classic is designed with spectators in mind. Visitors can move freely around the raceway, watch multiple events in a single day and take in everything from high-speed downhill runs to endurance races.

That accessibility has helped make the event a repeat outing for many locals. Some just find a spot to park near the Fort Ord National Monument and hike a little ways to watch the riders at various points on the track.

First launched in 1991, the Sea Otter Classic generates tens of millions of dollars in economic activity for the Monterey Bay region each year, supporting hotels, restaurants and retail businesses. It has grown into a cornerstone event for the cycling industry, serving as a major product launch venue and networking hub for brands and professionals. Local cyclists attend not only to watch elite competition, but to discover new gear, and connect with the broader cycling community.