Both exhibitors and athletes gave a positive assessment of the global showcase that Girona and the Costa Brava became over the past three days, which ended with the international-level MTB Super Cup
The second edition of the Sea Otter Europe Costa Brava-Girona Bike Show came to an end today with numbers that far exceeded those of the inaugural edition. Over the course of three days, this international cycling festival welcomed close to 50,000 people (up more than 50% over last edition), while 5,230 cyclists took part in the various sporting events, 25% more than last year. These positive results are in addition to the increase in exhibitors and brands that was already announced; companies that bring to light the magnitude of an event which has turned Girona and the Costa Brava into a global cycling showcase. A city and a region that have reaffirmed their support for Sea Otter Europe and provided the ideal setting for such a large and complex event. Participants included exhibitors and cyclists from 50 countries, with 150 registered journalists from around the world.
The event’s internationalisation is actually one of the salient features of this edition, in addition to the prestige garnered by the festival thanks to the presence of the world’s best cyclists in a host of cycling disciplines. The fans who made it to Girona had the opportunity to see these riders in action, pedal alongside them and talk to world champions and veritable masters of cycling.
Also palpable was the satisfaction of the almost 400 brands that decided to exhibit their wares at Sea Otter Europe. They stressed the excellent business opportunity presented by the fair and closed this edition with a solid turnover and contacts with new customers and specialised suppliers. The brands that took part in Demobike, in which customers had the chance to test bikes, also enjoyed considerable success, as all 400 models available for testing were booked on the first day of the event.
All activities, including recreational activities for families and children and top-level competitions, had a large turnout. With regards to sporting activities, this morning saw the running of the second stage of the International Sea Otter Europe Cycle Tour, in which over 1,000 cyclists took part. The event offered riders the choice of a 100km or 125km course, both of which traversed some of the region’s most emblematic mountain passes.
This afternoon also marked the running of the main MTB event, the Massi Super Cup. First at the finish was New Zealand’s Sam Gaze, followed by Australia’s Daniel McConnell and Spain’s David Valero. An exceptional podium, with cyclists boasting outstanding CVs; testament to the world-class level of this competition.
Over the course of the day, thousands of people once again flocked to the festival’s expo, activity and exhibition areas, helping to make the second edition of Sea Otter Europe, which achieved its goal of reaching all audiences, a highly successful event. In this regard, the Fontajau Pavilion welcomed a large number of families this weekend, who were on hand to participate in the multitude of activities and exhibitions and enjoy cycling in all its forms.
Girona and the surrounding area also benefited from hosting the festival, which led to a rise in hotel occupancy and economic activity throughout a region that is a leading cycle tourism destination and home to a slew of firms that provide services to enthusiasts of this sport.
10 June 2018