Sea Otter Classsic, 2009: The Laguna Seca, Monterey Peninsula tradition continues

November 22, 3:46 PMCycling ExaminerJames Raia

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The Sea Otter Classic has always had an identity crisis. But in the case of the 19-year-old bicycle race on the Monterey Peninsula, it’s not a bad thing.

Through the years, the multi-day event, headquartered at Laguna Seca Raceway, had ventured outside of the racetrack and offered a variety of professional and amateur races.

Early in his career, Lance Armstrong competed. And in recent years, Levi Leipheimer, Floyd Landis and other international road cycling men pros have participated.

And former world mountain bike women’s world titlists Alison Sydor, Alison Dunlap and Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå were mainstays for years.

The Sea Otter Classic isn’t on the National Racing Calendar in 2009. But with the recent cancellation of the Tour de Georgia for 2009, don’t be surprised if more pro men opt to race again at Laguna Seca.

But for the majority, the Sea Otter Classic is the country’s largest offering of age group amateur competition and citizens' rides.

And it will be again April 16-19 during the 19th annual event. Pro mountain bike, gravity and road events are also scheduled as well as ever-expanding merchandise expo.

Registration is now available on the event’s web site.

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