The annual Sea Otter classic has long been a great indicator of the way the mountain bike industry is going, and so it was great last year to see them introduce an e-MTB race for the first time. This year's event was a hit once again, with riders from teenagers to over-60s participating.
The 2.9-mile lap featured 373 feet of climbing with a maximum grade of 24 percent designed to put eMTBs to the ultimate electric test. The downhill singletrack sections included two rock gardens and the “Gravel Speed Trap”—a gravel section designed to stop cars going more than 200mph. The races were held over four laps and there were some notable participants, including mountain bike pioneer and legend Joe Murray, who won the over men's over 50s category.
Other notable participants included Olympic bronze medallist Christophe Sauser (2nd in the Men's 40-49 category), and Endurance legend and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame Nat Ross (3rd in the Industry Challenge). KTM rider Trevor DeRuisé won the Industry Challenge and a $2,500 charity cheque. Bosch also contributed another $2,500 towards the National Interscholastic Cycling Association
Thanks to Bosch eBike Systems for sending in the pics.
