Now in its 35th year, the Sea Otter Classic is North America's largest cycling festival, drawing over 74,000 attendees, more than 1,000 exhibiting brands and hosting 12 amateur and elite races across road and off-road disciplines—including the opening round of the Life Time Grand Prix. Held on and around the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California, this year’s coverage kicks off with tech highlights from writer Tyler Boucher. Part 2, featuring insights from North American Editor Anne-Marije Rook, drops Monday.
I started my first day at the Sea Otter Classic 2025 with a brief, mist-enshrouded shakedown ride along Del Monte Beach in Monterey, California. Stopping briefly to adjust something on my bike, I happened to glance out at the water just as a fully grown sea otter popped to the surface clutching a fresh-caught meal in its paws. I came to Sea Otter and saw a sea otter. Mission accomplished, right?
