No joke. The organizers of the Sea Otter have added an eMTB race event to their traditional lineup of Downhill, Dual Slalom, Cross Country, Short Track and Enduro events to the upcoming 2016 event in April. Taking place in and around Laguna Seca’s race track, the eMTB race will be a time-based race that lasts 60 minutes and is said to be a sort of hybrid of short track and cross country racing with a few road descents, single track trails and a bit of climbing. It is listed a non-sanctioned event so no race license is required, but there is prize money to be had. There is no list of restrictions as to the equipment you can use which might make it even more interesting.
Given the controversy of whether e-mountain bikes even belong on trails or not, organizing an eMTB race is a big move by organizers at such a large event. Is the charge being led by e-bike manufactures trying to edge their way further in to acceptance? How will this go down? Will we hear cheers…. or boos from the crowd? Let us know what you think about it in the comments.
