For 2004, the Pro/Elite Road Stage Race has shifted to a three-day format, beginning on Thursday, April 15, with a 2-mile prologue time trial starting at the top of Laguna Seca's famous "corkscrew" and finishing on the racetrack's usual finish line. The following day, riders will tackle an extended Laguna Seca circuit race, with the women covering 38 miles and climbing 5,100 feet over 17 laps and men riding 60 miles and climbing 8,100 feet over 27 laps. On Saturday, April 17, the Carmel-Salinas Valley Road Race, recognized as the best addition to the 2003 Sea Otter Classic, will take riders on a scenic yet grueling 100 mile journey, beginning and ending on the racetrack itself.

Rick Sutton, COO of Sea Otter Classic LLC, says, "The Laguna Seca circuit race is a Sea Otter tradition, and we had a great response to the road race that debuted last year. This year, we've played with the race format to pack as much excitement as we can into those two races."

Bessette, now a member of the Quark Cycling Team, has voiced a positive reaction to the new format. She says, "I'm very happy about the changes in the [time trial] and the circuit race, it will be even more challenging and exciting. I just love the Laguna Seca circuit!" Bessette won the circuit race stage in 2002 and 2003.

In her search for a second Sea Otter title, Bessette will encounter strong resistance from the likes of Team T-Mobile, who placed second to Quark in Redlands' team classification, and Team S.A.T.S., the Danish squad that sits atop the current world rankings. Meredith Miller, S.A.T.S' lone American team member, says, "Sea Otter is a great race for Team S.A.T.S. because of the hilly and difficult courses. We are looking forward to being part of a spectacular race and an enthusiastic atmosphere."

One the men's side, Horner, who has become a Northern California fixture after winning the 2003 T-Mobile International in San Francisco and signing in December 2003 with the Bay Area's Webcor Builders Cycling Team, understands that a second Sea Otter victory will not come easily. He says, "I'd like to win. [Sea Otter attracts] the nation's best riders every year. My team's objective is to win bike races, and I want to put on a good show."

Horner's strongest competition will likely come from rival teams Sierra Nevada and Health Net presented by Maxxis, who each will bring a former Sea Otter champion, with Sierra Nevada's Trent Klasna (1998 and 2001) and Health Net's Gord Fraser (2000) getting the nod.

Klasna, for whom the 2004 season will be a farewell campaign, says, "Sea Otter is coming at the perfect time - I'm riding good, I've already won it twice, and this is my last chance." From the Health Net - Maxxis camp, Directeur Sportif Jeff Corbett reports that, "The Sea Otter is very important for us, especially since our title sponsor is California based. Health Net is coming to win."

For the Sea Otter organization, this year's strong road racing field is a sign of the event's continued success. Frank Yohannan, Sea Otter Classic LLC's president and CEO, says, "Running high-quality road cycling events is a very important part of what we do and how we connect with the cycling community. This year's Hyundai Sea Otter Classic will be a great time for everyone from the pros to the recreational riders!"