Race Report: Round Four of the Big Mountain Enduro at Brian Head Utah

Words: Big Mountain Enduro

Southern Utah is known for its amazing riding, beautiful red rocks, Zion National Park, and so much more. At more than 10,000+ feet above sea level sits Brian Head, Utah, home of round four of Big Mountain Enduro and its sister race, Youth Enduro Series.


We saw riders from over thirty states and two different countries this round, and the diversity was terrific to have. Watching the youth ride alongside the pros has been a one-of-a-kind experience; the kids have been able to learn from the best of the best. While sitting in the pits, kids would come looking for riders like Cody Kelly, Nik Nestoroff, and all the other pros for photographs and signatures.

A few pros took a minute to offer the kids some advice when riding the rough ground at Brian Head. Colton Peterson went as far as sharing his game plan for the weekend. They all want to see these kids do their best and have fun.


Racers weren't sure what to expect in Brian Head this year but came ready to practice and race. Everyone put down two practice days to get used to the elevation, the rough ground, and the intense course put together by the BME team.

Saturday morning, everyone gathered around the Big Mountain Enduro headquarters to send the Youth Enduro Series riders off in style for the final race of their season. After they dropped onto stage one, the BME was able to get underway; groms, spectators, sponsors, and even resort staff all hung out to send the racers on their way to stage one. Racers had two peddle transfers to start the day and would end by taking the lift to complete stages 3 and 4. The day ended with Colton Peterson on top of the pro men's leader board and Isabella Naughton sitting in first for the pro women.









Youth Enduro Series ended their season with a bang and had the help of Isabella Naughton and Nik Nestoroff to hand out prizes to well-deserving kids who rode their hearts out this season.




Sunday morning, things started bright and early at 8 am with a 60-minute peddle to stage five, where they would find a technical trail with shale ahead of them. The pros dropped mid-morning and had us holding our breath all day, waiting to see who would come out on top.


At the end of round four, it was exciting to see Colton Peterson come in first for the first time this season after winning the series in 2022. Close behind him were Nik Nestoroff and Mitch Ropelato
in second and third place; Jake Keller and JT Fisher were also on the pro men's podium this weekend after the stacked field seemed to run neck n' neck all weekend long.




The victors in the women's pro category have all become household names this year, and we love to see the inspiration these women and all the pros bring to the future racers of the sport. The times were close, but Kate Lawernce was able to step up and find herself on the first-place podium again this season. Close behind her were Isabella Naughton and Porsha Murdock in second and third, with Stefanie McDaniel and Essence Jasperse bringing up the rear.



This 2023 season has been one of change and growth with new owners, crew members, and a new vibe in the pits; we knew this season would be a success from day one! You can expect the full 2024 schedule to be released at the series finale in Big Sky, Montana, next month on another live show Friday night before the races start.

Make sure you are following BME on Instagram @bigmountainenduro, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok @bigmountainenduroseries for all updates and behind-the-scenes action!

All photos by: Logan Gallagher

A huge thanks to the Big Mountain Enduro series 2023 Sponsors:

Specialized
Maxxis
Fox
Shimano
Stans NoTubes
Industry Nine
DT Swiss
FSA
Utah Sports Commission
POC

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Racing and Events Race Reports Big Mountain Enduro