The Sea Otter Classic is the traditional season opener, and as well the schedule being crammed with races, many companies also take the opportunity to show off new products. We’ll bring you some product news in a later report, but for now here’s a roundup of the main results, with some fantastic photos thanks to Dan Barham (www.danbarham.com).

Downhill

Success for Rachel Atherton (Animal Commencal) bagging herself top spot ahead of fellow Brit Fionn Griffiths (Griffiths Racing) and Melissa Buhl (KHS Bicycles).

In the Men’s DH team mates Nathan Rennie and Steve Peat shared 1st and 3rd spots on the podium, only separated by the young Jared Graves (Yeti/Fox Racing FA).

Nathan Rennie edged out Jared Graves and Steve Peat to take the Men’s Pro DH, riding the hill 2.5 seconds faster than anyone else

Jared Graves on his 2nd-placing run

Despite his signature smoothness and flow, Peaty couldn’t make up the time to get higher on the podium than 3rd

XC

Taking place on the same day as the DH, the race was mighty close in the final stages, with Geoff Kabush (Maxxis) just pipping Christoph Sauser (Specialized) and Jean Chrestophe Peraud (Orbea). In the Women’s Georgia Gould (Luna Chix), confirmed just why she’s the US National Champion by breaking away on the first lap and keeping a safe lead right to the finish. Kiara Bisaro (Team Race) and Katerina Nash (Luna Women’s Mtb Team) filled the remaining podium spots.

Parts of the XC course looked out over impressive Californian vistas

Geoff Kabush powers away from Christoph Sauser and Jean Christophe Peraud in a sprint finish for the Men’s Pro XC race

Kiara Bisaro and Katerina Nash duked it out for the duration of race, finally finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively

Dual Slalom

Despite the rain, the riders still put on a top display of close racing. Mick Hannah beat Jared Graves and Steve Peat to that top spot. In the Women’s, Sabrina Jonnier outclassed Jill Kinter and Rachel Atherton.

Brian Lopes was looking fast and smooth, but couldn’t beat Bryn Atkinson in the quarter-finals

Kiara Bisaro and Katerina Nash duked it out for the duration of race, finally finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively

Cedric Gracia and Justin Leov crest a ridge in the first round of the Dual Slalom race. Gracia suffered mechanical problems on the run, opening the door for Justin Leov to progress to the next round