The Sea Otter Europe festival, which gathers cycling professionals and brands in Girona every September, also stands out for its competitive aspect. Among the various events held, such as La Tramun or the XCM Marathon World Cup, the Gravel World Series event has gained particular prominence, both for the level of participants and the growing popularity of this discipline.
The event, named 226ERS UCI Gravel World Series Girona-Costa Brava Sea Otter Europe, is scheduled for September 19. World-class specialists are expected to participate, competing for a spot in the Gravel World Championship. Organizers have designed a new 109-kilometer course with a positive elevation gain of 940 meters, starting in Juià and finishing in the festival area in Girona.
Following the format of the UCI Gravel World Series, the competition will also be open to amateur cyclists. They can participate by age groups and aim to qualify among the top 25% of their category, which grants them direct access to the World Championship.
“"The Girona event is at the highest global level of the discipline."
Furthermore, the festival will incorporate the BTT World Cup, solidifying Sea Otter Europe as a benchmark event. A spokesperson for the Catalan Cycling Federation added that
“"The combination of cycling disciplines makes Sea Otter Europe a top event, open to all audiences and fans."
A representative from the Girona Greenways Consortium highlighted
“"the unique and demanding environment that cyclists from all over will experience and the very significant economic impact that the event will generate."
Finally, a spokesperson for the Department of Sports of the Generalitat in Girona emphasized the importance for Catalonia of hosting international sporting events distributed throughout the territory.
