![\"\"](\"\/media\/985669\/sea-otter-2018-tent.jpg?width=500&height=333.33333333333337\")
<\/p>\nWith the introduction of a new tire that\u2019s already heavily in demand, popular giveaways, and record attendance, Sea Otter was an unqualified success for Maxxis. Maxxis\u2019 sponsored riders also did their part to make the festival a success for the company, with victories for Jill Kintner plus three additional podiums for other Maxxis-sponsored riders.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Greg Minnaar\u2019s new signature downhill tire, the Assegai, is proving almost as popular as the rider himself. Named by Minnaar after a spear used by the Zulu tribe in his native South Africa, the Assegai combines the best of Maxxis\u2019 downhill tires to provide unparalleled traction and confident handling on roots and rocks. (Check your local bike shop for availability.)<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"\/media\/985666\/sea-otter-2018-assegai.jpg?width=500&height=442.5\")
<\/p>\n
Interest was high among visitors to the Maxxis booth, who dropped by to get an Assegai-themed giveaway: a bottle opener shaped like a spear. Guests also picked up Maxxis-themed koozies, fenders, and stickers, and a crowd of nearly 100 gathered for the raffle of a set of Assegai tires, custom \u201cMinngnarly\u201d t-shirts by Atlanta artist Noosh Studios, and Backcountry Research Mutherload straps.<\/p>\n
Kintner topped the Sea Otter podium twice, taking wins in both women\u2019s dual slalom and women\u2019s downhill. Norco\/Red Bull\/Shimano rider Kintner was joined on the dual slalom and downhill podiums by Anneke Beerten of Alchemy Factory Racing eam, who took second place in both events. Katerina Nash of the Clif Pro eam took second place in short track cross country, and Josh Carlson of the Giant Factory Off-Road eam earned third place in enduro.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"\/media\/985671\/sea-otter-jill-kitner.jpg?width=500&height=261.6666666666667\")
<\/p>\n