DAY TWO – 2026 LIFE TIME SEA OTTER CLASSIC
EPIC GRAVEL RACING AND ENDURO ACTION
After experiencing an electric Day One of the 2026 Lifetime Sea Otter Classic, thousands of cycling fans returned to the Laguna Seca Recreation Area for day two of the Life Time Sea Otter Classic where energy ran high across race courses, expo booths, and community events. Here’s a rundown of some of the day’s action.
The Gravel Race saw local legends and familiar faces take on the iconic lap of Monterey
Following an action-packed Life Time Grand Prix on Thursday, today’s Gravel Race gave amateur cyclists the chance to take on Monterey’s rugged terrain in one of the show’s most popular events. Riders chose from three distance options—30, 60, or 90 miles—each featuring approximately 3,000 feet of climbing per 30-mile loop. Whether testing endurance or getting a feel for gravel riding, the race delivered a true Life Time Sea Otter Classic experience for riders of all backgrounds.
Amongst the record-breaking number of riders completing today’s race was Finnish Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas, who took on the Sea Otter Classic Gravel race for the first time, placing 12th overall in the 60-mile edition. In 2024, Bottas competed in the Life Time UNBOUND Gravel presented by Shimano.
Results
MTB-Gravity Enduro Race
Toro Park hosted stages 3 and 4 of the Enduro event, which spanned across two days for the first time in the events’ history. In another first, the Enduro featured e-bike categories for Men and Women in both the Open and Sport divisions.
Results
eMTB Race presented by Aventon
Riders took on steep climbs and technical descents around three six-mile loops to push themselves and their bikes to the limit. The race was electric from start to finish, with British MTB Pro, Ella Conolly, claiming victory over her competitors in the women’s field and Canadian, Elliot Jamieson in the men’s.
Results
DAY THREE – 2026 LIFE TIME SEA OTTER CLASSIC:
WORLD CHAMPIONS CROWNED AND EPIC DUAL SLALOM
Day Three of the Life Time Sea Otter Classic brought the most action in the festival’s history by crowning the Brompton World Champions, Elite Dual Slalom victors, Fuego finishers and welcomed athletes from around the globe in the all-new Trail Run and much more.
Brompton World Championships
The race unfolded around the iconic Laguna Seca Raceway as the spirit of British cycling culture took center stage. Athletes were dressed in ‘race-day best’ attire, with Monterey local Alexander Akins being crowned men’s World Champion in the iconic folding-bike race and Robin Betz claiming the title in the women’s field.
Dual Slalom Elite Finals
International MTB legends brought the action to the Monterey dirt, battling it out bar-to-bar on the raw course designed by Kyle Strait, of Strait Acres. Nikolas Nestoroff, claimed his second title and Ella Conolly her first in the thrilling racing.
Fuego XL presented by Specialized
Athletes from around the world tackled the grueling 70 miles of sandy climbs and flowy singletrack at the Fort Ord National Monument, enduring a massive 7,800 feet of elevation gain. Life Time Grand Prix riders Andrew L’Esperance and Cameron Jones locked into a fierce battle that came down to a pulse-pounding sprint, with the Canadian edging out the win. In the women’s race, current MTB XCM World Champion and 2025 Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB presented by Kenetik winner, Kate Courtney, stormed to victory across the line.
Day Four – 2026 LIFE TIME SEA OTTER CLASSIC
WRAPS WITH RECORD-BREAKING FINAL DAY
Record numbers of cycling and outdoor enthusiasts, industry leaders, media and exhibitors descended on Monterey over the past four days for the Life Time Sea Otter Classic. From start to finish, there’s been an electrifying atmosphere of competition and community, cementing the event’s status as the world’s premier cycling festival.
The festival wrapped up in style with elite athletes bringing the action to the Downhill Finals and kids lining up for fun-fueled balance bike racing.
Downhill Elite Finals
In the Elite Women’s field, mountain bike legend Jill Kintner (02:04.336) continued her dominance in Monterey, securing the victory. In the men’s race, it was a tight battle against the clock with less than half a second between the top three riders, with Neko Mulally (01:52.457) taking the top step of the podium.
Results
Family Day
Kids aged 12 and under always receive free entry to the festival, but today’s Family Day offered complimentary admission for up to two accompanying adults as well.
The morning kicked off with the Sea Otter Egg Hunt, followed by a family-friendly story time at the Prevelo tent with Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club. There was also racing on offer for children as young as two at the Balance Bike Rally, and kids from 6-10 got in on the action with the Kids’ Race on the Laguna Seca track.
Off-road racing wrapped up the racing action in Monterey
Fuego Short presented by Specialized
The Fuego Short offered Junior riders the chance to experience the iconic terrain that defines the Life Time Sea Otter Classic’s cross-country racing. Cyclists aged 12 and under tackled a six-mile loop, with an impressive 682 feet of elevation.
Fuego XC presented by Specialized Elite Races
Over 600 riders took on the legendary 21 miles of sandy climbs, flowy singletrack, and Fort Ord’s beautiful landscape. In the Elite Men’s field, less than 2 seconds separated first and third place, with Dan English taking home the win and Emma Wilcox triumphing in the women’s elite field.
2026 Life Time Sea Otter Classic concluded with record-breaking numbers
The 36th edition of the Life Time Sea Otter Classic drew crowds from all backgrounds, including over 700 outdoor and run enthustiats who took part in the all-new Trail Run. The Enduro race expanded across two days, four stages for the very first time. The eMTB Race presented by Aventon and Brompton World Championships also returned to Laguna Seca, bringing a vast array of cycling enthusiasts to the festival.
Frank Yohannan, Founder and Event Director of the Life Time Sea Otter Classic, said:
The 2026 Life Time Sea Otter Classic has been our biggest and best yet. We had a record number of registrations across races and recreational events, a 30% increase in industry professionals attending, and a 44% increase in members of on-site media.
What makes the Sea Otter Classic so special is that sense of connection — between brands and riders, pros and fans, families and friends. It’s been a phenomenal four days, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve all built together. We’re already looking forward to 2027.
Photos courtesy Life Time Sea Otter Classic
