Matt Beers Targets Sea Otter Classic Victory After 2026 Cape Epic WiN
Matt Beers targets the 2026 Life Time Sea Otter Classic on April 16 after winning his fourth Cape Epic title with Tristan Nortje just two weeks ago. The 32-year-old South African champion shifts focus from the eight-day Cape Epic marathon to California’s punchy gravel terrain. Beers finished second at Sea Otter in 2025, losing by nine seconds to Keegan Swenson.
A Legacy of Versatility
Matt Beers has long been hailed as one of the most versatile riders in the off-road circuit. Originally a motocross racer, Beers brought a “natural engine” and technical finesse to mountain biking in his early 20s. His career has been defined by a relentless upward trajectory:
- Mountain Bike Mastery: Beyond his four Cape Epic titles (won with partners Jordan Sarrou, Christopher Blevins, Howard Grotts, and now Tristan Nortje), Beers is a multi-time South African Elite XCM National Champion.
- Gravel Dominance: Since pivoting toward the U.S. gravel scene, he has secured two South African Gravel National Titles and high-profile international wins, including the Belgian Waffle Ride California in 2024 and 2025.
History at Sea Otter: From Knobby Tires to Gravel Grinders
The Sea Otter Classic has traditionally been a happy hunting ground for Beers, serving as the season opener for the prestigious Life Time Grand Prix.
| Year | Format | Result | Key Moment |
| 2024 | MTB Fuego XL | 3rd Place | Finished strong in a world-class field with a time of 4:01:21. |
| 2025 | Gravel | 2nd Place | Narrowly beaten by Keegan Swenson after a decisive late attack on Lookout Ridge. |
In 2025, the Life Time Grand Prix shifted the Sea Otter round from a mountain bike format to gravel. Beers proved his adaptability immediately, finishing just nine seconds behind American superstar Keegan Swenson. This second-place finish set the tone for a 2025 season where he eventually finished 5th overall in the Grand Prix standings.
Prospectus: The 2026 Life Time Grand Prix
Entering the 2026 season, Beers carries the “calm intensity” and smart tactics that have made him a perennial podium threat. His runner-up finish in the 2024 Grand Prix overall standings proved he has the endurance for a long U.S. campaign, even after recovering from a brutal 2023 season plagued by a broken collarbone and ribs.
For 2026, the Sea Otter gravel course will consist of three laps totaling approximately 89 miles with over 8,100 feet of climbing. This punchy, technical terrain plays perfectly into Beers’ strengths. Using his Specialized Diverge equipped with Future Shock technology, Beers often finds his edge on the descents where others are forced to brake.
2026 Season Outlook:
- Fitness: Coming off a peak performance at the Cape Epic, Beers’ “diesel engine” is primed. Historically, riders who perform well at the Epic carry significant “stage race legs” into the early U.S. season.
- Nutrition: Now a part of the Neversecond athlete team, Beers has dialed in a high-carb fueling strategy (up to 150g/h) to handle the intensity of the Grand Prix’s shorter, more explosive rounds compared to the 8-day Epic marathon.
- Ambition: Having finished 2nd (2024) and 5th (2025) in the Grand Prix series, the overall title remains the one major trophy missing from his cabinet.
As the elite men’s field prepares for the 10:00 AM ( WATCH LIVE HERE 6:45 PM South Africa Standard Time (SAST) on the same day.) start on the Sea Otter Bridge this April, all eyes will be on the “King of Off-Road”. Whether he can turn his Cape Epic momentum into a debut Grand Prix win of the season remains the biggest question of the spring.
ABSA Cape Epic: His victories and teammates for each winning year are:
- 2021: With Jordan Sarrou (NinetyOne-songo-Specialized).
- 2023: With Christopher Blevins (Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne).
- 2024: With Howard Grotts (Toyota-Specialized-NinetyOne).
- 2026: With Tristan Nortje (Toyota Specialized Imbuko)
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Matt Beers race at Sea Otter Classic 2026?
Matt Beers races at the 2026 Life Time Sea Otter Classic on April 16, with the elite men’s start at 10:00 AM Pacific Time (6:45 PM South Africa Standard Time).
How many Cape Epic titles has Matt Beers won?
Matt Beers has won four Cape Epic titles: 2021 with Jordan Sarrou, 2023 with Christopher Blevins, 2024 with Howard Grotts, and 2026 with Tristan Nortje.
What are Matt Beers’ Sea Otter Classic results?
Matt Beers finished third in 2024’s mountain bike format (4:01:21) and second in 2025’s gravel format, losing by nine seconds to Keegan Swenson on Lookout Ridge.
Which team does Matt Beers race for in 2026?
Matt Beers races for Toyota Specialized Imbuko in 2026, having won the Cape Epic with teammate Tristan Nortje under this team banner.