The Cross Country Marathon (XCM) races of the cycling festival will take place on September 20
The town of Les Planes d’Hostoles hosted the presentation of the Cross Country Marathon World Cup and the other XCM races of the Sea Otter Europe international cycling festival this morning. The best riders on the planet gather once again to compete in the final race of the discipline’s most important championship. A route that demands maximum physical and technical ability, set against the incomparable backdrop of Girona’s trails. The range of options also offers four other alternatives to enjoy authentic MTB for all levels and physical conditions.
The event was attended by Miquel Reverter, representative of the Girona Provincial Council; the mayor of Les Planes d’Hostoles, Marc Puig; the mayor of Sant Aniol de Finestres, Francesc Oliveras; the mayor of Sant Martí de Llémena, Dolors Navarro; the mayor of Amer, Maria Rosa Vila; the mayor of Sant Gregori, Quim Roca; the president of the Catalan Cycling Federation, Carles Ferrer; the president of BTT Fornells, Jaume Bosch; and the CEO of Ocisport, Albert Balcells.
The organization has opened registrations for all races, which can be processed via this link: https://www.seaottereurope.com/es/pruebas-deportivas/
The XCM World Cup: the great global showcase
The main attraction will be the World Cup. For the second consecutive year, the route of the emblematic La Tramun race is integrated into the sports program of Shimano Sea Otter Europe Girona-Costa Brava by Garmin and is part of the World Cup. Thus, the start will be in Les Planes d’Hostoles and will finish at the festival.
Maximum competitive international participation is expected again. The route will be 89 kilometers long with a positive elevation gain of 2,750 meters and a negative elevation gain of 3,000 meters.
An endless number of trails where technique and physical endurance will be key to being in the battle. A race that can be contested in both Elite and Master categories.
In this regard, Albert Balcells highlighted that it is a “spectacular territory, with an unbeatable route and a competitive spirit that perfectly defines the event.”
La Tramun Sea Otter Europe: the same experience outside the World Cup
The organization will offer alternatives for those who want to experience the same challenge as the world’s best riders. Thus, the same World Cup route will also be available to participate outside the World Cup format. In this case, there will be an option to choose the competitive modality or the OPEN modality, where it will be possible to participate with a one-day license.
Additionally, this year there will also be the short La Tramun Sea Otter Europe; where the route is shortened to 45 kilometers to go directly from Les Planes d’Hostoles to Sea Otter Europe.
The president of Club BTT Fornells, Jaume Boix, emphasized the importance of the event for the region, highlighting “the need to bring sports throughout the territory and create role models that motivate young people.”
From an institutional perspective, deputy Miquel Reverter highlighted “the commitment of the Girona Provincial Council to this sustainable sports model that respects the environment,” while the mayor of Les Planes d’Hostoles, Marc Puig, emphasized “the economic impact it generates in the municipality and the importance of offering this privileged landscape to cyclists from all over the world.”
SCOTT Marathon MTB: the final challenge of the XCM championship
On the other hand, there will also be the option to participate in the SCOTT Marathon MTB. The start and finish of this race will be within the Sea Otter Europe festival. This is the third installment of the season for this XCM championship; a spectacular way to be part of a pure MTB event.
The SCOTT Marathon MTB will have two routes. The long distance (XCM) will be 55 kilometers, while the short distance (XCP) will be 40 kilometers.
Both distances can be contested competitively within the PRO category and non-competitively within the OPEN category.
