After 30 years in the running, the Sea Otter Classic is getting a change of ownership. Life Time announced today that the lifestyle brand has acquired the long-standing cycling event.
The Monterey, California-based Sea Otter Classic holds the distinction of being North America’s largest consumer cycling event. The event joins Life Time’s portfolio, which includes other notable cycling events like UNBOUND Gravel, Crusher in the Tushar, and the Leadville Trail 100 MTB.
“The cycling industry is in the midst of a transformation, and Life Time is here to support it,” said Kimo Seymour, president of Life Time Media and Events. “Sea Otter Classic is a premier event in the bike industry, providing an unparalleled experience to athletes, consumers and industry partners. With Life Time’s focus on iconic brands that deliver exceptional and unique opportunities, the Sea Otter Classic is a natural fit within our ecosystem, and we couldn’t be more proud to work with the Sea Otter Classic team to get even more people riding bikes.”
Event Aims to Be Bigger and Better
The Sea Otter leadership team will remain at the helm after the acquisition. Event co-founder and director Frank Yohannan reassured participants that the event will continue delivering a world-class experience.
“Life Time and the Sea Otter Classic share a common belief in the power of bikes and their ability to change people’s lives,” said Yohannan. “But I also want to recognize and celebrate our athletes and bike-loving festival attendees whose passion and energy make our event what it is. I can confidently promise that, in partnership with Life Time, the Sea Otter Classic will continue to offer more of what our community now expects: steeper drops, higher jumps, tougher races and more rides.”
Yohannan also penned a letter to Sea Otter supporters outlining the event’s future and thanking participants and supporters, both past and future.
The annual event, which is entering its 31st year, celebrates riding and racing across multiple cycling disciplines — road, mountain, gravel, and e-bike — and hosts a globally renowned product expo.
Life Time will host the 2021 Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, October 7-10. Participants can choose from mountain bike cross country, downhill, dual slalom, short track racing, circuit, criterium, and road racing. The event also offers several non-competitive recreational events for riders of all ages.
For more information, visit seaotterclassic.com.
