Spring 2026

In April, the Sea Otter Classic will take place at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for its 35th year. It has grown from a local event to a world-premier race. T he sound that typically comes to mind when thinking of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is the screaming roar of high-horse- power racing machines hurtling through the famous corkscrew. But each April, the air around the speedway is redolent with the whir of mountain bicycle chains when the Life Time Sea Otter Classic comes to town. This annual weekend-long event was found- ed in 1991 by friends Frank Yohannan and Lou Rudolph, both avid mountain bikers. The inau- gural race saw 350 athletes and 150 spectators, and has since grown to more than 9,000 racers and 74,000 fans. It is regarded as one of the world’s premier cycling events. Yohannan and Rudolph had a little expe- rience in event management, hosting several musical events on the Monterey Peninsula. They were visiting a Monterey bike shop when the owner suggested they put on a mountain bike event, and it was off to the races. “This is an opportunity for pro and amateur athletes to participate in a world-class cycling event,” Yohannan says. “It has influenced a couple of generations of enthusiasts to get on a bike and participate in this fantastic sport.” As a retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel, Yohannan is especially proud of the Sea Otter Classic Foundation’s E Bikes for Veterans program which helps vets regain independence. For more information, for tickets or to compete, visit www.seaotterclassic.com . Wor ld-Class Cycling Event Returns to Monterey B Y M I CHA E L CHAT F I E LD SHORT CUTS EVENT 72 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 Photo: Life Time