The festival showed off its international scope with cyclists from 50 countries, and an even bigger number of visitors than last year
The second day of the Sea Otter Europe Costa Brava-Girona Bike Show saw thousands of visitors descend on the festival’s various exhibition areas, activities, exhibitions and race areas.
The action started first thing in the morning with the start of one of this year’s two Gravel races and the Scott Marathon MBT. It was also the turn of the best trial riders in the Copa Catalana de Trial, the children’s Downhill Championship and the popular Brompton bicycle race, which brought together hundreds of cycling enthusiasts on the circuit on Rambla Xavier Cugat.
One of the most eagerly awaited events, and a new addition to this year’s festival, was the Criterium of ex-professional riders, who came together to compete alongside fellow cyclists such as Purito Rodriguez, Angel Edo and Angel Vicioso, among others, to pay tribute to Alberto Losada, a rider who retired from the professional field last year and who also took part.
Roughly 3,000 cyclists participated in today’s events as part of a programme that also boasted the Children’s MTB Open and the nostalgic Classic MTB race, in which riders donned clothes and bikes dating from 25 years back – an genuine museum on two wheels that has become the world’s largest classic bicycle gathering.
For the first time ever, the Scott Marathon Cup of Sea Otter Europe, which brought together nearly 1,000 cyclists, had UCI Marathon Series category. It has firmly established itself as an international showcase for Girona’s exceptional network of MTB trails. The Dutchman Hans Beckingen, one of the most powerful riders in the bike-marathon world, clinched a spectacular triumph in a tough confrontation with Enrique Morcillo and Ismael Esteban. Meanwhile, Germany’s Bettina Janas was the fastest in the women’s event.
The women’s Super Cup Massi, which boasted UCI C1 category, saw the young Austrian rider Laura Stigger, current junior world champion, win in a hard-fought clash with Pauline Ferrand-Prevot.
In the thrilling Brompton bike race, Jordi Espinar and Louise Laker were the fastest to complete all 12 laps on the oval circuit on Rambla Xavier Cugat, whilst the winners of the Classic MTB race were Niknaz Fazel and Oriol Morata.
Exhibitor satisfaction
Exhibiting brands showed their satisfaction thanks to a high number of visitors and good trade, confirming their commitment to Girona as a fantastic business opportunity and a great place to promote their brands.
The Demobike programme was hugely popular too, with 42 of the best brands in the cycling world and more than 500 bikes prepared especially so that visitors could try out their chosen model on special guided circuits.
Kids also played a starring role and were a prominent feature of the show with events such as the Children’s MBT Open and the Mini DH, two competitions combining both fun and athleticism in which spectators could catch a glimpse of the future stars of MTB.
World stars on the final day
The third day of Sea Otter Europe gets underway tomorrow with outstanding events such as the new CicloBrava, with two distances and more than 1,500 cyclists, and the men’s Super Cup Massi, which will bring together world stars such as Sam Gaze, Carlos Coloma, David Valero, Thomas Griot, Catriel Soto, Pablo Rodriguez and the Catalan rider Jofre Cullell.