Downhill
PRESENTED BY PINKBIKE
Race against the clock alongside other riders of similar age and ability at the Sea Otter Downhill presented by Pinkbike. After shuttling to the top of the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, gravity athletes will gaze across miles of rolling hills and roaring crowds before descending down the big berms and technical turns of the sandy Monterey hillside.
After overhauling the upper section of the course in 2022, BMX pro and shovel wizard Alex Fowler is back with his wrecking crew from Action Sports Construction to revamp the lower section in 2023. Get ready for big air, sprints to the finish and plenty of chances to SEND IT down the untried terrain.
Downhill is categorized by ability and age classes, and we offer Para, Non-binary and Hardtail categories. Registration includes a four-day festival pass, hydration zone access, complimentary parking, medals to the top-three finishers in each category, and custom jerseys for race winners.Registration includes a four-day festival pass, hydration zone access, chip timing, shuttle service, complimentary parking, medals to the top-three finishers in each category, and custom jerseys for race winners.
Prize Purse
| Downhill Prize Purse | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Men | $500 | $400 | $300 | $150 | $150 |
| Open Women | $500 | $400 | $300 | $150 | $150 |
Fees/Categories/Schedule
Downhill: Fees / Categories / Start Times
Pre-Event Course Talks
We will be hosting a series of Course Talks to discuss the routes and prepare you for the Sea Otter Classic 2023!. Professional athletes and course designers will join us to provide special tips and insight. You are invited to participate via Zoom or Facebook, or join us when you arrive on site in April. Links and details will be emailed to all registered athletes. Bring your questions and get them answered by the Sea Otter team!
On-line Course Talks:
Monday, January 23 – 7pm PST – New Carmelo Route plus Q&A on all events
Sunday, February 19 – 4pm PST – Participant Q&A on all events
Tuesday, March 8 – 7pm PST – Fuego XL/XC and Fuego SHORT course plus Q&A on all events
Thursday, March 30 – 7pm PST -La Gravilla route plus Q&A on all events
Monday, April 10 – 7pm PST – Athlete parking, race number pick-up plus Q&A on all events
In-person/on-site Course Talk at Casa Amigos
Thursday April 20 – 7pm PST – Final routes, how best to prepare for your event plus Q&A on all events
Downhill Course Inspection & Practice Schedule
Day |
Category |
Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Elite / Expert / Jr. Expert (Includes Jr. Expert boys/girls 15-16/17-18) | 3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | Juniors (NO Jr. Expert boys/girls 15-16/17-18) | 4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | Intermediate / Beginner / Para/ Non-Binary | 5:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday | Elite | 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. |
| Friday | Juniors (NO Jr. Expert boys/girls 15-16/17-18) | 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. |
| Friday | Expert/Jr Expert (Includes Jr. Expert boys/girls 15-16/17-18) | 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. |
| Friday | Intermediate / Beginner / Para/ Non-Binary | 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | Intermediate / Beginner / Para/ Non-Binary | 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. |
| Saturday | Juniors (NO Jr. Expert boys/girls 15-16/17-18) | 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. |
| Sunday | Elite | 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. |
| Sunday | Expert /Jr Expert (Includes Jr. Expert boys/girls 15-16/17-18) | 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. |
Information
Online registration opens November 1, 2022. Onsite registration at the event starts on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 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 30 minutes prior to event start time. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION. No refunds, transfers, or rollovers of race 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.
Switch Categories
Coming Soon! View your registration & purchase details, complete self-edits such as transfers, and purchase any additional merchandise.
Packet Pick-up hours
- 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 7:30 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
Policies
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.
BLM Requirements
The Fort Ord National Monument is open to visitors during Sea Otter. Riders need to adhere to trail rules and passing speed limits when passing a rider going in the opposite direction. Passing speed limits during the tours (5 mph on single-track and 10 mph on roads) will be enforced.