April 8th, 2019 Press Release Monterey, CA – USA Cycling has long partnered with Sea Otter Classic to sanction the many professional and amateur races held at the country’s hottest bicycle festival. Next week, the Bulls eMTB race epowered by Bosch will join the growing list of sanctioned races like Downhill, Cross-country, Enduro, Dual-Slalom and Road. The race will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 12th at the Sea Otter Classic.
“With the growing popularity of e-bikes and the UCI including the discipline in the World Championships we are working with events, industry partners and athletes to assist with providing guidelines for e-bike events in the U.S.” said Chuck Hodge, USA Cycling’s Chief of Racing and Events.
"The Sea Otter Classic is thrilled to host this USA Cycling-sanctioned eMTB race," said Frank Yohannan, president and CEO of the Sea Otter Classic. "There has been a lot of interest in eBikes from the cycling community and we are happy to offer both amateur and pro races at this year's event."
The eMTB race is open to both men and women who will compete in six amateur age categories and a pro category. First place prize for pros (both men and women) is $750; second place prize is $500; and third place is $250 for a total purse of $3000. Winners in all categories will receive power tools. New in 2019, Sea Otter will be adding chipped timing to the race.
eMTBs that use certified Class 1 eBike systems from Bosch, Brose, Yamaha, or Shimano will be welcome to compete in the race. Racers who don’t own their own e-bike equipped with those systems are welcome to borrow one from Bulls, Bosch, or the many other brands at Sea Otter demo’ing eMTBs, on a first come first serve basis.
