Bradyn Lange Wins the Sea Otter Classic Men's Elite Gravel Race

(MONTEREY, CA – Velo) It was a fast day of racing around the grounds of Laguna Seca Raceway as Bradyn Lange took the win at the Sea Otter Classic, the first race on the Life Time Grand Prix calendar.

The race was decided in a reduced sprint finish after the race dwindled to a handful of elite riders under the relentless pace. In the sprint, it was the last corner that decided the day as Keegan Swenson battled Lange to the line.

I didn’t want it to go to a sprint and I don’t think he did either,” Lange told Velo after the finish. “We were going to the final corner and I was like, ‘I don’t know what to do.’ So I just chopped him on the inside and put my head down.”

Magnus Bak Klaris took third just after Swenson. Alexey Vermeulen and Matt Beers finished fourth and fifth, crossing some 10 seconds later, in the 90-mile race.

For Lange, the result is a culmination of sorts after a few years of growing results for  the 26-year-old mountain biker turned gravel pro. The national championship win was a big step last year, but winning at Sea Otter in his first race in the national champion kit puts him firmly at the top of the global gravel peloton.

“There is no better way to to start the season,” Lange said. “I’ve always dreamed of going to the line with Keegan and battling with him, especially on a course like this. It was sick, just attacking each other on the final climb.

“We were both hanging on for dear life, at each moment when the other was attacking. I am kind of at a loss for words.

“Over the past five years, I’m just always looking ahead, like, these guys are, you know, so many years ahead of me. It’s like, my time will come.”

Well, it appears his time has come.

This is a developing story, more to come…

Results: Men’s Sea Otter Classic

Full results here