Bikes - Motorcycles Events in Spain

Sea Otter Europe

The Sea Otter Europe Costa Brava Girona Bike Show is widely recognized as one of the most dynamic cycling events in Europe, offering far more than the format of a traditional bicycle trade fair. Since its inception in 2017, the event has evolved into a vibrant annual festival that brings together cycling enthusiasts of all ages, skill levels, and professional backgrounds. Inspired by and organized in cooperation with the American original, the Sea Otter Classic, and led by Ocisport, the European edition has built its own strong identity within the international cycling scene.

Open to the general public while simultaneously addressing industry professionals, brand representatives, media, and retailers, Sea Otter Europe successfully blends business exchange with festival atmosphere. This dual nature allows the event to feel accessible and energetic without losing its professional depth. Visitors are not just observers but active participants, engaging with products, athletes, and ideas in an open and immersive environment.

Sea Otter Europe as a Meeting Point for the Cycling Community

Sea Otter Europe has positioned itself as a true meeting point for the European cycling community. Its international character attracts visitors and exhibitors from many countries, creating a space where global trends meet local passion. The event encourages interaction between brands and riders, professionals and amateurs, creating meaningful connections across different segments of the cycling world.

The venue plays a key role in this experience. Hosted at the exhibition area surrounding the Pavelló Esportiu Fontajau in Girona, the event benefits from a central location and excellent public transport connections. This accessibility supports the open and inclusive nature of the festival, making it easy for visitors to move between the exhibition, demo areas, and race locations.

Girona and the Costa Brava as the Perfect Backdrop

The choice of Girona and the Costa Brava region is far from accidental. Known for its bike-friendly infrastructure, diverse terrain, and spectacular landscapes, the area has long been a magnet for cyclists. From smooth roads and gravel paths to demanding mountain trails, the surroundings offer ideal conditions for both testing equipment and hosting competitions.

The connection between the event and its environment strengthens the authenticity of Sea Otter Europe. Riders can experience bicycles in real-world conditions rather than artificial settings, while visitors gain a deeper understanding of how different bikes perform across varied terrain. This close link between exhibition and landscape is a defining feature of the event.

A Holistic Approach: Technology, Lifestyle, and Sport

What truly sets Sea Otter Europe apart is its holistic approach to cycling. The event does not isolate products from their context but presents them as part of a broader lifestyle shaped by sport, adventure, and community. Technology, design, and performance are integrated into an interactive format that encourages exploration and hands-on experience.

A strong focus lies on gravel and all-road bikes, two segments that have seen remarkable growth in recent years. These categories reflect a shift toward versatility and freedom, values that resonate strongly with modern cyclists. Visitors can explore the latest models and components from leading brands and immediately test them on dedicated routes.

Key interactive areas include:

The Demo Village, where brands present their newest products

The Test Loop, allowing riders to experience bikes in motion

Designated gravel and all-road routes near the exhibition grounds

This direct interaction transforms curiosity into understanding and makes product evaluation both engaging and practical.

Competitive Highlights and the UCI Gravel World Series

Competition is an essential element of the Sea Otter Europe experience. One of the most prominent highlights is the start of the UCI Gravel World Series race, which begins directly on the exhibition grounds. This unique integration of elite competition into the event space brings international athletes and spectators together, blurring the line between professional sport and public festival.

The presence of top-level racing adds excitement and prestige while reinforcing the event’s role within the global cycling calendar. For visitors, it offers inspiration and a chance to witness high-performance cycling up close.

Mountain Biking at the Core of the Program

While gravel and all-road cycling receive special attention, classic mountain biking disciplines remain central to Sea Otter Europe. The event stays true to its roots by offering extensive opportunities to explore off-road cycling in all its forms.

Visitors can test and experience a wide range of mountain bikes, including:

Cross-country models focused on speed and efficiency

Trail bikes designed for versatility and flow

Enduro bikes built for demanding descents

e-MTBs combining electric assistance with off-road capability

Purpose-built tracks allow riders to test these bikes under realistic conditions, providing valuable insights into handling, suspension, and overall performance. This emphasis on real-world testing reinforces the credibility of the event among experienced riders.

Entertainment, Activities, and Festival Atmosphere

Beyond exhibitions and competitions, Sea Otter Europe offers a rich program of shows, activities, and sports experiences. These elements turn the event into a true festival, where learning and entertainment coexist naturally. Families, hobby riders, and dedicated athletes alike find reasons to stay, explore, and participate.

The atmosphere is energetic but relaxed, shaped by shared enthusiasm rather than commercial pressure. This balance encourages longer visits and deeper engagement with both brands and the cycling culture as a whole.

More Than an Expo: A Celebration of Cycling

The Sea Otter Europe Costa Brava Girona Bike Show stands out because it understands cycling as a complete experience. It brings together technology, competition, landscape, and community in a way that feels organic and authentic. By combining trade fair elements with hands-on testing and high-level sport, the event appeals to a broad audience without losing focus.

Since 2017, Sea Otter Europe has grown into one of the most important annual gatherings for cyclists in Europe. Its success lies in its openness, its strong connection to place, and its ability to turn cycling into a shared celebration rather than a closed industry event.