Hannah Otto Kicks Off Her Season with SCOTT
New SCOTT athlete Hannah Otto is set to launch her 2025 season aboard the SCOTT Spark RC as she heads to Spain this week for the SCOTT Mediterranean Epic in Oropesa del Mar! Over four days of intense, technical MTB racing, Hannah will battle for the top spot in this early-season challenge.
Before departing, we caught up with Hannah in Tucson to hear her thoughts on joining the SCOTT team, her favorite new bike, and why she thrives in early-season racing—an approach that sets her up for success when it’s time to line up for the first Lifetime Grand Prix race of the season.
Follow @SCOTTsportsUSA and @thehannahotto for race updates and behind-the-scenes action!
SCOTT: With your extensive racing experience and major victories, including your 2023 Leadville win, you had your pick of bike sponsors. What drew you to working with SCOTT?
Hannah: I've always been impressed by SCOTT's innovation. SCOTT's bold and groundbreaking bike designs have paved the way in the industry for years. Not only has that willingness to think outside of the box created an exceptional bike, it's created a culture that pushes limits. I believe that SCOTT brings the same innovation from their engineering into everything they do, including the way that they work with athletes, build brands, and pursue projects. My beliefs were confirmed when SCOTT presented me with potential ideas and project ideas before the contract was even signed. I'm beyond excited to pursue the extraordinary with SCOTT.
SCOTT: Along with the technology that SCOTT brings to the table, racing has always been part of our DNA and has given us the opportunity to work with so many amazing athletes over the years. Is there a SCOTT athlete in particular who has inspired you?
Hannah: It's hard to think of SCOTT without thinking of the GOAT of the sport, Nino. To me, the magic of supporting an athlete like Nino for so many years doesn't just speak volumes to the quality of equipment, but to the ability to forecast industry shifts, product designs, and to constantly be on the cutting edge of the next best thing.
SCOTT: The first bike you asked for was the Spark RC. Now that you've had a few weeks test it out, what are your initial thoughts?
Hannah: The SCOTT Spark RC was a match made in heaven for me. On my very first ride on the bike, I couldn't keep my watts in check. The pedaling platform felt so efficient that I couldn't help but try to find its limits through stomping on the pedals. With more suspension travel than my previous bike plus a well-balanced geometry, this setup feels incredibly stable and confidence-inspiring. So much so that on its maiden voyage I took it through some features I had previously never had the courage to attempt.
SCOTT: As we kick off 2025, you're already packing up your Spark RC and heading to Spain for your season opener at the Mediterranean Epic. What excites you most about this race?
Hannah: I'm excited for the high level of racing on technical and challenging terrain. The Mediterranean Epic is for the true mountain biker, featuring long days, big mountain climbs, and extremely chunky descending. This race requires high fitness and high skill. It requires a bike that climbs well and bombs downhill. To me, after riding the Spark, it's no surprise that it's "The Mediterranean Epic by SCOTT."
SCOTT: What about this race are you looking forward to?
Hannah: I'm excited for the high level of racing on technical and challenging terrain. The Mediterranean Epic is for the true mountain biker, featuring long days, big mountain climbs, and extremely chunky descending. This race requires high fitness and high skill. It requires a bike that climbs well and bombs downhill. To me, after riding the Spark, it's no surprise that it's "The Mediterranean Epic by SCOTT."
SCOTT: You had a successful race at the Mediterranean Epic last year. How did that race go?
Hannah: In 2024, I finished up with a 2nd place overall in the Mediterranean Epic. It was the perfect race to build confidence, find flow, test limits, and find my groove which I definitely think I accomplished by winning both Stage 3 and 4 of the race!
SCOTT: What is it about starting the season this early that appeals to you?
Hannah: I have always loved early season racing. After a winter with absolutely massive training blocks, I always find myself itching to test my newfound fitness. I love the chance to test my fitness and still have the chance to make adjustments and improvements in the areas that I discover need attention. I also love the stage race format because it gives me the opportunity to try new strategies and walk away from the race week with 4 days worth of experiences and data points before the next block of training.
SCOTT: That sounds like the perfect ramp-up for starting strong in the Grand Prix. Do early-season mountain bike events benefit you at the Sea Otter Gravel race?
Hannah: I believe that in this sport experience is everything. The wider and deeper your experiences are the better you are able to prepare for the unexpected. I've always believed in testing myself in a variety of terrain against a variety of competition. I want to line up on the biggest start lines knowing that nothing can catch me off guard.
Don't forget to follow @SCOTTsportsUSA and @thehannahotto for updates on how the Mediterranean Epic is going! We are confident that the combination of the SCOTT Spark RC and Hannha's skills on the bike will add up to four fast days of racing.
Photo credit: Wil Mathews @visu_wil
