Update: Sea Otter rescheduled due to concerns over spread of coronavirus
California event the latest in a wave of cancelations and postonements due to COVID-19
Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California is the latest in a wave of cycling events that have been canceled or rescheduled due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.
UPDATE: Organizers have announced new dates for the festival. Sea Otter Classic will now take place from October 1- 4, 2020. Location and race schedules will be largely unchanged, according to organizers.
The long-running show is the largest cycling event in North America. It was originally scheduled to take place from April 16-19 in Monterey, California. The annual consumer expo combines pro and amateur racing with an opportunity for consumers to see the latest releases from all kinds of mountain bike companies.
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Sea Otter Classic often sees a wave of product releases and announcements. With numerous UCI events, it is also an opportunity for cross country racers to earn UCI points closer to home.
A wave of cancelations
With Thursday’s announcement, Sea Otter Classic joins a growing number of high profile cycling events to be canceled or postponed due to the spread of COVID-19. On the road, Strade Bianchi is the first of the Spring Classics to be impacted by the virus. Race organizers canceled this weekend’s event when the Italian government imposed a ban on all public sporting events.
At the end of February, the UAE Tour in Abu Dhabi was canceled mid-race. Riders in the World Tour road stage race have been quarantined in their hotels since the race was halted.
There is no indication yet that coronavirus will impact Sea Otter Canada. The Canadian edition of Sea Otter was held at Blue Mountain, Ont. for the first time in 2019.
