| 11/13/2001 | Set your calendars on stun as the 12th Annual Sea Otter Classic Powered by SRAM promises to spring open the cycling season with more events than ever before. Next year's Sea Otter is set for March 21-24.
The unabashed celebration of the bicycle will expand its list of events to include new cross-country categories, amateur mountain cross, and a mountain bike slick-tire criterium on downtown Monterey's Cannery Row.
"We've never rested on our laurels," said Rick Sutton, co-founder of the Sea Otter Classic Powered by SRAM. "From the days when we dared to integrate road events into a mountain bike festival to the creation of the Big Jump contest, we have always tugged on the tent in any direction that will cover more riders. Last year's mountain cross proved such a hit that we've decided to open the gates for amateurs."
Laguna Seca Recreation Area will again serve as the launch pad for the 2001 cycling season, with the solid support of the industry sponsors who have built this two-wheeled circus. The Sea Otter has been the demo spot for consumers to check out not just the latest in cycling equipment, but also the newest wrinkle in event promotions. Coming off the success of last year's inaugural four-up Mountain Cross event, the Sea Otter will offer the same high-speed, high jump race format to sport, expert and semi-pro riders.
The Sea Otter will also give back some respect to the women competitors who have swelled their ranks to record numbers. This year the Sea Otter will hand out awards in five-year age brackets instead of the traditional 10-year categories. And the Clydesdales will be offered a 40-plus age category, too.
The mountain bike stage race will start off Thursday with a Cannery Row criterium on slick tires, sharing this historic downtown venue with the elite road racers.
The same features that turned the Sea Otter into America's largest competitive cycling event will all return. Sponsors such as SRAM, Seagate, SoBe, Look, Sidi, Voler, Yakima, Adventure Sports, Bicycling and Mountain Bike magazines and VeloNews will all return. The Outdoor Life Network will also be back as a broadcast media sponsor. The expo too, promises to draw such products as SRAM's latest X.O shifting technology out for consumers to touch, feel and ride. And the Sea Otter Festival returns with all of its popular attractions and activities for kids and families.
The Sea Otter will again draw the best fields in road, off-road, downhill, dual slalom and BMX racing for this early season leg test. The cycling media will also be in attendance to cover all the action, especially the photogenic Jump Night contest.
And while the same famous courses will all be used, the crews at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area have worked hard at landscaping much of the infield area to enhance the event.
Athletes are invited to call the event hotline 650/306.1414 with entry inquiries. For more information visit www.seaotterclassic.com.www.seaotterclassic.com
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