Three intense days have been characterised by a high level of competition, the resounding success of Demobike and great international exposure for the Girona and Costa Brava brands
The third edition of the Sea Otter Europe Costa Brava-Girona Bike Show closed its doors today having received more than 60,000 visitors, far surpassing last year’s figure of 50,000. It has been an exceptional weekend for Girona and the Costa Brava, which showed their love for cycling with scores of visitors, exhibitors from all over the world, and a busy schedule of events across all disciplines.
This festival format, which began three years ago in Girona, represents a unique business opportunity for the cycling industry, generating great international exposure for the Girona and Costa Brava brands and strengthening their values associated with the world of cycling.
The over 400 brands that took part in Sea Otter Europe showed their satisfaction, highlighting the great business opportunity that it represents and closing with en excellent volume of sales and contact with new customers and specialised suppliers.
All the programmed activities attracted numerous participants, both those of a more recreational nature aimed at families and kids, and the high-level competitions that allowed spectators to see world champions and elite sportsmen and women from all cycling disciplines in action. All in all, 6,175 cyclists took part in the different races, 20% more than last year.
Demobike was also a resounding success: the 42 brands that took part in this year’s edition, supplying 500 different models, voiced their satisfaction at the return they have had from customers, who were able to test out what may soon become their new bike.
This positive appraisal comes in addition to the previously announced increase in the number of exhibitors and brands taking part in the festival. Both stressed the magnitude of an event that has become an international showcase for cycling in Girona and the Costa Brava, a city and a region that continue to reassert their commitment to Sea Otter Europe by offering the perfect setting for such a large and complex event.
More than 50 countries represented
Exhibitors and cyclists from over 50 countries and 150 journalists from all over the world were accredited at the festival. Such international scope is one of the event’s most outstanding features, added to the prestige that comes from the presence of the best cyclists in the world
from different disciplines. The cycling enthusiasts that flocked to Girona were able to see them all in action, and even pedal alongside or chat to world champions and true cycling masters.
Competitions of the highest level
This morning the festival’s largest event in terms of numbers got underway with 1,500 participants taking part in the Continental CicloBrava by Ghost, with two routes of 148 km and 99 km along the Costa Brava and some of the most emblematic mountain passes in the region.
At midday the Super Cup Massi closed the competition programme with a spectacular race in which Sam Gaze (Specialized) achieved what he described as one of the most important triumphs in his sporting career. The New Zealander, who is recovering from a serious fall that kept him away from the circuits for several weeks, is based in Girona when in Europe. The French rider Thomas Griot (Massi) took an impressive second place, whilst Carlos Coloma (BH Temple Cafés) came third in the sprint ahead of Jofre Cullell, the U-23 local idol who became the leader of the general.
The Sea Otter Europe formula also offers the general public unique events such as the Criterium, which took place yesterday on an oval circuit next to the festival. Countless former professional cyclists, such as Purito Rodriguez, Angel Edo and Angel Vicioso, came together to pay tribute to Alberto Losada, who retired from elite competition last year and who ended up winning the spectacular qualifying sprint event.
A wide-reaching festival with considerable economic impact
All throughout the day thousands of people once again descended on the festival’s exhibition spaces, activities and exhibitions, contributing to what can only be deemed an excellent third edition of Sea Otter Europe, which closes having achieved its goal of reaching a broad audience. Many families have made their way to Fontajau Pavilion over the last three days to make the most of the numerous organised activities and exhibitions and to enjoy bicycles in all their many forms.
What’s more, Girona and its surroundings have benefited from the success of the festival, which has generated lots of trade and a high hotel occupancy rate for a region that is a leading destination for cyclists and boasts many companies providing services to fans of the sport.
2 June 2019