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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Men | $500 | $400 | $300 | $150 | $150 |
| Elite Women | $500 | $400 | $300 | $150 | $150 |
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 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:
CLICK HERE to view the start list. This list is updated each week on Monday.
Have Questions? Contact: frosty@seaotterclassic.com
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. |
Online registration opened 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.
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.
Brackets will be posted during the event by 10pm.
Email frosty@seaotterclassic.com with any inquiries.
- 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.)
No refunds or transfers of race registration.
Athletes are allowed to defer entry into the following year. This requires payment of a deferral fee equal to 40% of the original paid entry fee. A race entry can only be deferred one time and only to the following year’s event. Deferrals must be completed no later than Sunday, April 16, 2023. Contact frosty@seaotterclassic.com for information.
If you choose to defer and you have purchased retail items during registration, please note the following. Retail purchases can be refunded if you selected to “Pickup” at the venue. Purchases completed as “Ship” cannot be refunded. Retail purchases will not carry over in a deferred entry.
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
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.