Kate Courtney, Gee Atherton and Tiffany Cromwell are among global talent set to battle it out in Monterey
Monterey, CA (Thursday, April 9): The world’s premier cycling festival, the Life Time Sea Otter Classic, is back with star-studded rosters across more than six disciplines. The 36th annual event returns to the iconic Laguna Seca Recreation Area, April 16-19.
From the explosive speed of the Dual Slalom to the grueling Elite Gravel race, the 2026 edition promises one of the most competitive professional fields in the event’s history. Legends of the sport will be rubbing shoulders with the next generation of world-class talent.
The downhill and gravity events will see mountain biking royalty take center stage. Fresh off an adventure in Nepal, two-time World Champion Gee Atherton is bringing his legendary grit to the Downhill Elite Race. The raw, throwback Dual Slalom course will see fan favorites, Wyn and Ed Masters, go head-to-head.
Star talent take on the Monterey dirt
Gee Atherton (United Kingdom) – Men’s Elite Downhill One of the most decorated downhill mountain bikers, Atherton is a multiple national champion, World Cup winner, and a two-time Downhill World Champion.
Anneke Beerten (Netherlands) – Women’s Elite Enduro Beerten’s career highlights include three UCI four-time World Championships, two BMX World Championships, a podium position in the Enduro World Series, and was crowned the Queen of Crankworx in 2015.
Martha Gill (United Kingdom) – Women’s Elite Downhill & Dual Slalom As victor of the Life Time Sea Otter Classic Elite Dual Slalom in 2018, a former U21 Enduro World Series Champion, and Crankworx Queen of Chaos contender, Gill has proven her ability to win across downhill, dual slalom, and enduro disciplines.
Jono Jones (United Kingdom) – Men’s Elite Downhill & Enduro A powerhouse of the UK scene, Jones is a highly versatile downhill and enduro racer, having competed in Red Bull Hardline and Enduro World Series.
Cody Kelley (USA) – Men’s Elite Dual Slalom & Downhill Widely recognised for his effortless style, Kelley’s career highlights include a victory at Crankworx Rotorua Dual Slalom and multiple podium finishes at the Enduro World Series. He enters the Dual Slalom and Downhill Elite races as a rider to watch.
Sarah Lange (USA) – Fuego XL A seasoned competitor, Lange has frequently ranked in the top-10 of the Life Time Grand Prix standings. Her standout performances include a fifth-place finish at the 2023 Life Time UNBOUND Gravel 200 presented by Shimano and a silver medal at the 2025 USA Cycling Gravel National Championships.
Emma Langley (USA) – Fuego XL While her roots are on the road, Langley has successfully transitioned into elite off-road racing, securing a top-15 finish at the 2024 Sea Otter Classic Fuego XL and will be looking to set her sights on a podium placing in 2026.
Taylor Lideen (USA) – Fuego XC & XL Known for his exceptional endurance and prowess in ultra-distance mountain biking, Lideen is a specialist in grueling off-road events. A consistent top performer, he brings a wealth of experience in high-intensity marathon racing to this year’s Fuego XL
Ed Masters (New Zealand) – Men’s Elite Dual Slalom & Downhill Former winner of the EWS Les Orres, Trophy of National World Champion 2022, and 5th Overall EWS 2022, Masters has tackled both World Cup Enduro and downhill racing. Off-track, alongside his brother Wyn, Ed has become one of the most beloved personalities in the MTB world.
Wyn Masters (New Zealand) – Men’s Elite Dual Slalom & Downhill A winner of the Enduro World Series and the Oceania Continental Championships, Masters is a world-class talent whose influence extends far beyond his racing results. His trackside reporting has made WynTV a household name in the global MTB community.
Peta Mullens (Australia) – Fuego XC & XL A versatile powerhouse in the cycling world, Mullens is a multiple-time Australian National Champion across road, mountain bike, and CX disciplines. Her extensive experience and adaptability make her a formidable competitor in the elite gravel field.
World-class women join the Elite gravel lineup
The Life Time Sea Otter Classic Gravel race features one of the most international and competitive rosters to date, stacked with champions, veterans and debutants, including Sofía Gómez Villafañe, Cecily Decker, Cameron Jones, and Keegan Swenson.
If that wasn’t thrilling enough, among the latest additions are legends of the sport, Kate Courtney and Tiffany Cromwell, both significant forces to contend with and masters of their trade across XC and Road racing, respectively.
Kate Courtney (USA) – Women’s Elite Gravel & Fuego XL A Tokyo 2020 Olympian and the 2018 UCI Cross-Country World Champion, Courtney is a true icon of American Cycling. Last year, she proved her elite endurance by breaking records and taking a historic victory at the Life Time
Leadville Trail 100 MTB presented by Kenetik. Returning to her home state of California to tackle the Sea Otter Classic Gravel and Fuego XL races.
Tiffany Cromwell (Australia) – Women’s Elite Gravel A veteran of the road WorldTour, Cromwell is one of Australia’s most accomplished and versatile cycling stars. Representing the CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto squad, she brings over 15 years of experience to the Monterey dirt.
A previous winner of prestigious Spring Classics like Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Life Time UNBOUND Gravel 100 presented by Shimano in 2025, she’ll be a force to be reckoned with.
Full start lists for each race will be released the day before the race at seaotterclassic.com.
