January 18, 2005 – The Napa Sheriff’s Activities League (NSAL) and Sea Otter Classic, the most celebrated cycling festival in North America, announced today they will offer 300 complimentary entries to junior riders. There are 14 Junior Cross Country events for youths 18 and under. The 15th annual Sea Otter Classic, known throughout the cycling world as the “grand season opener”, will be held this year on April 14-17, 2005 at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Monterey, California. Free entries are on a first-come, first-served basis and available only online at www.seaotterclassic.com.

“We usually host 1,000 – 1,200 Junior riders each year and take pride in supporting their efforts. We treat each rider as if he or she were a pro cyclist,” says Frank Yohannan, president and CEO of the Sea Otter Classic. “These young athletes have demonstrated a passion for the wonderful sport of cycling and are essential to its future. The NSAL has been an integral part of our cycling community for many years and we appreciate their generous contribution and continued dedication to the event’s success”.

“Providing 300 free entries to the Sea Otter Classic is a way for us to give something back to the cycling community,” says Lt. John Robertson Direction of the NSAL. “The cycling community has taught youth there is so much more to life than a game controller.” The NSAL committed itself to youth cycling six years ago with the development of a junior cycling team, Team NSO Junior Cycling. The team supported 12 riders at the Sea Otter Classic and throughout the NORBA National Championship Series. NSAL is also a sponsor of the DEVO Mountain Bike Team. “Our team members are required to give something back to the community by providing a positive image for junior cycling and hosting the Sea Otter Classic Bicycle Rodeo, a riding skills and safety course for young riders,” stated Robertson.

Nearly 10,000 professional and amateur athletes and over 50,000 spectators will attend the four-day festival. The outdoor cycling tradeshow will host over 250 vendors who showcase the latest trends and technologies in road cycling, mountain biking and recreational products and services. Over 200 international media representatives will report on the competitive action in over 20 professional and amateur events, including the Pro Road Stage Race, the Pro Mountain Bike Stage Race, and the Pro Gravity Omnium.

Described as “hands-down the best event there is out there” by Peter Berridge, Marketing Manager for Clif Bar, Inc., the Sea Otter offers fun and excitement for all family members. A Kid’s Bike Rodeo, Sea Otter Egg Hunt, inflatable games, and much more are complimentary to children ages 12 and under.

Who: Cyclists 18 and Under
What: Free Entry into 14 Sea Otter Classic Junior Cross Country Events:
Jr. Beginner Men 14-Under, Jr. Beginner Women 14-Under, Jr. Beginner Men 15-16, Jr. Beginner Women 15-16, Jr. Beginner Men 17-18, Jr. Beginner Women 17-18, Jr. Sport Men 14-Under, Jr. Sport Women 14-Under, Jr. Sport Men 15-16, Jr. Sport Women 15-16, Jr. Sport Men 17-18, Jr. Sport Women 17-18, Jr. Expert Men 18-Under, Jr. Expert Women 18-Under
Where: Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Monterey, California
When: April 14-17, 2005
Junior Event Entry Fees: Range from $25 – $35
Spectator Fees: $10 per day or $30 for a four-day pass; free admission for children ages 12 and under
Information: www.seaotterclassic.com or (650) 364-7612