34Th edition kicks off with elite and amateur road, enduro and eMTB races, plus unmissable trials and BMX displays
Brands including Parlee Cycles, POC, Peaty's Products reveal all-new products live at the show
Monterey, CA (Thursday, April 18): The world of cycling and outdoor sports descended on Monterey, California, for day one of the Life Time Sea Otter Classic presented by Continental.
Taking place from April 18-21, 2024, the first day of the world-renowned event - Industry Day - brought brands and industry leaders together alongside fans and racers of all abilities in a celebration of two-wheeled culture and competition.
Festival tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday are available here and at the gate.
World-renowned cycling and outdoor brands reveal their latest innovations
Out of the record 1,100 brands in attendance, more than 50 brands gave cycling fans and the international media the opportunity to see their latest releases on US soil for the first time on day one; including new products from Parlee Cycles, POC, Peaty's Products, ION, and Abbey Bike Tools.
Special edition colorways and collaborations were on display from brands including KASK, who presented a unique Utopia Y helmet personalised by Nicolai Sclater; an illustrator who goes by the name of Ornamental Conifer, known for his work with brands including Levi's, Arctic Monkeys, and adidas.
Tomorrow, even more brands are set to unveil their next generations of gear, components, and apparel - with more than 20 providing world-first previews of products that won't be available to the public until late 2024 and early 2025.
Elite racers from around the world took on amateurs and enthusiasts in Road Race and Enduro MTB races.
In the Elite Men's Road Race, Irish two-time Vuelta a España stage winner Nicolas Roche romped to an incredible solo victory, crossing the line 23 seconds ahead of Brennan Wertz, with fellow Californian Adam White 28 seconds further back in third after a thrilling 68-mile trek around the Fort Ord National Monument.
In the Elite Women's Road Race it was Nicole Steinmetz who emerged triumphant, outsprinting Caroline Wreszin at the culmination of a thrilling two-way Californian tussle, with Canadian Cynthia Pham rounding out the podium.
In the Elite Men's Enduro MTB, Cody Kelley (Utah) took the top spot with his time of 08:39.02, six seconds ahead of runner-up Jake Keller (California), and eight seconds in front of Nikolas Nestoroff (California).
In the Elite Women's Enduro MTB, New Zealander Raewyn Morrison tasted victory, stopping the clock on 09:47.78 after four gripping stages. France's Julie Duvert was nine seconds behind in second with Porsha Murdock (Oregon) in third.
Kimo Seymour, Life Time Senior Vice President and President Media and Events, commented: "The show has got off to an incredible start. On Wednesday evening we had a energizing gathering of industry leaders at the Sea Otter Classic Summit, and today we've seen our most successful Industry Day ever.
"We've got a record 1,100 brands exhibiting this year, solidifying key relationships while showcasing their latest products, and over 500 additional industry professionals have also attended today to enjoy the benefits of our exceptional networking opportunities.
"Not only in North America, but globally, the Sea Otter Classic is the only show where brands have the opportunity to have both B2B and B2C opportunities.
"We're expecting to welcome almost 80,000 cycling and outdoors enthusiasts over the four days, and there really is something for everyone."
For more information including opening times, parking, travel, accommodation and camping options, visit seaotterclassic.com
