The CRITERIUM Race
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Your typical parking lot criterium is a flat, four corner affair. Not so with the Sea Otter Criterium which makes its vaunted return to Laguna Seca this spring. Utilizing a 1.2mi loop and featuring the corners of the world-famous Laguna Seca Raceway (including the fearsome Andretti Hairpin), the Sea Otter Criterium will feature a fair bit of twists, turns, and climbing to test the traditional criterium riders’ skillset. Results will be time-based and # of laps completed.
See below for race inclusions.
The Crit Race is categorized by ability and age classes. How to self-select your category:
A = Advanced racer
B = Intermediate racer
C = Beginner racer
D = First-time racer
2026 general registration is now open with Early Bird Pricing through December 1, 2025. Register here!
Onsite registration at the event starts on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at noon. Event registration closes at 6:00 p.m. the day prior to the scheduled event. If you have pre-registered, you can pick up your event number on event day – up to 60 minutes prior to event start time. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
Registered athletes must pick up your race number in person (must have current, valid PHOTO ID). Pick up your race packet, complimentary 4-day Festival Pass, and purchase event merchandise at Athlete Registration.
Criterium Race Pricing
| Early Bird Pricing: through December 1, 2025 | December 2, 2025 - February 17, 2026 | February 18, 2026 - March 31, 2026 | After April 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75 | $85 | $95 | $125 |
- Race course support
- Complimentary parking
- (1) Complimentary 4-day Festival Pass (if you sign up for multiple events, you will still only receive 1 wristband for the weekend)
- Complimentary post-ride showers
- Secure bag drop
- Secure bike valet
- Post-race lunch and complimentary Sierra Nevada beer at the Casa Amigos Rider Lounge. Your lunch must be redeemed on the same day of your race/ride.
- Virtual Athlete Goodie Bag: special offers and discounts from our Sea Otter Classic partners
Medals awarded to the top three finishers in each category.
All athletes receive a complimentary post-race or ride meal at the Casa Amigos Rider Lounge.
You will receive a physical ticket at packet pick-up.
Meal tickets are valid for the same day as your race or ride.
Course maps for Sea Otter 2026 will go live on March 1st, 2026!
Packet pick-up and registration is located at the Hospitality Pavilion. Please see the Festival Map here.
- Wednesday noon to 6 p.m.
- Thursday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Pre-registered athlete packet pick-up only. No Registrations.)
Riders that have already registered online can pick-up their packets the same day as their race
Awards go 3 deep in the below categories:
| Men’s Criterium Race Categories |
| Elite/A Men |
| B Men |
| B Master 40+ Men |
| C Men |
| C Master 40+ Men |
| D Men |
| Master Men 55+ |
| Para Male |
|
Women’s Criterium Race Categories
|
| Elite/A Women |
| B Women |
| C Women |
| Masters 40+ Women |
| Para Female |
| Non-Binary |
If you would like to switch categories, please email seaotter@ltevents.zendesk.com with any inquiries.
No Refunds
All fees are non-refundable and registrations are not transferable.
Deferral
Receive a guaranteed spot into the following year’s race. Athlete will pay 50% of the entry fee and complete a new registration for the following year’s race. Original entry fees will not be refunded.
Important Notables
Deferrals are only valid for the following year in the same event, space permitting.
Active duty and military personnel deployed or recalled may be refunded or deferred at no cost with proof of orders.
Pregnant Women and Postpartum mothers may be refunded or deferred at no cost with an authorized medical note.
Deferral and Transfer redemption deadlines apply.
No refunds or changes permitted on transactions over 365 days.
No refunds on add-on items, merchandise or donations; all purchases are final.
Life Time reserves the right, in its sole and complete discretion, to deny entry, to revoke the entry application of any applicant at any time, and/or to disqualify any individual from the Event. Those who violate our registration/racing policy may be disqualified and potentially banned from participating in this and/or any other Life Time Event.
Contact seaotter@ltevents.zendesk.com for information.
All Sea Otter participants will be required to submit a release waiver and assumption of risk form. Save time in line by completing them in advance. All Sea Otter participants are required to wear an approved helmet- no exceptions. USA Cycling Helmet Policy