Swenson, Batten Win Sea Otter Classic Gravel Race

At the Sea Otter Classic Gravel Race in Monterey, California, both Keegan Swenson and Haley Batten secured victories in the opening event of the 2025 Life Time Grand Prix series. Swenson achieved his fourth consecutive win by outpacing Matthew Beers in the final stretch, finishing just nine seconds ahead, while Alexey Vermeulen claimed third place. In the women's division, Batten dominated, finishing over five minutes ahead of Sofia Gomez Villafañe, who was the highest-placed finisher in the Grand Prix series, with Cecily Decker completing the podium. This year's event marked a shift from mountain biking to gravel racing, featuring a challenging 90-mile course with significant elevation gain. Swenson's victory not only boosts his confidence after a previous setback but also positions him and Villafañe at the top of the series standings. The unique change in format and the competitive results highlight the evolving landscape of off-road racing.