News: Big Mountain Enduro Announces 2015 Series Stops, and Equal Payout for Men and Women

The Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro presented by Shimano has just announced their 2015 series stops, in addition to information about their pro payouts this year. For 2015, Big Mountain Enduro will feature four series stops: Aspen/Snowmass, June 27-28 Keystone Resort, July 11-12 Crested Butte EWS, August 1-2 TBD Series Finale, September 5-6 This year …

The Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro presented by Shimano has just announced their 2015 series stops, in addition to information about their pro payouts this year.

Nate Hills crushed his competition at the Keystone Big Mountain Enduro this year on his home turf, and went on to  win the 2014 Big Mountain Enduro Series Overall. Hills has confirmed he will be back next year to defend his titles.
Nate Hills crushed his competition at the Keystone Big Mountain Enduro this year on his home turf, and went on to
win the 2014 Big Mountain Enduro Series Overall. Hills has confirmed he will be back next year to defend his titles.

For 2015, Big Mountain Enduro will feature four series stops:

  • Aspen/Snowmass, June 27-28
  • Keystone Resort, July 11-12
  • Crested Butte EWS, August 1-2
  • TBD Series Finale, September 5-6

This year BME will host the only Enduro World Series stop in the US, coinciding with the Crested Butte race. With some of the best mountain bike trails in the world located in Crested Butte and the best enduro racers from all around the globe converging on this idyllic mountain town, this is one race not to miss!

More information is forthcoming on the Series Finale, but it “will take place at a new destination of rugged backcountry terrain and progressive, purpose-built gravity trails,” according to BME. Stay tuned for more info on the Finale!

The Crested Butte Ultra Enduro is on hold for 2015 in lieu of the Enduro World Series Stop, but BME has confirmed that the “Ultra Enduro will return in 2016 in full form as a five-day format, including traditional big days in the backcountry and culminating at Evolution Bike Park for the final day.”

Pro Women’s podium at Durango Big Mountain Enduro in 2014 (left to right): Sarah Rawley, Cait Dmitriew, Heather  Irmiger, Krista Park and Alex Pavon.
Pro Women’s podium at Durango Big Mountain Enduro in 2014 (left to right): Sarah Rawley, Cait Dmitriew, Heather
Irmiger, Krista Park and Alex Pavon.

Perhaps the biggest news tucked away in BME’s latest press release concerns the prize payouts for pro racers. Specifically, pro men and women will receive equal prize payouts at all BME races this year.

“As a racer and behind the scenes of Big Mountain Enduro Series, it is with great honor to be the first enduro series in the country to support women in the sport with equal pro payout,” said Sarah Rawley, Big Mountain Enduro public relations. “We strongly believe in growing the sport through example, and that is men and women are of equal value to our series. If we want to see more women show up to the races, we need to initiate the momentum by providing a platform for women to pursue racing with just as much support.”

Kathy Pruitt charges off of the start line on Day 1 of the Crested Butte Ultra Enduro. Pruitt has competed in the sport  since 1997, and feels that "this announcement is truly setting the bar as far as treating athletes equally and  professionally."
Kathy Pruitt charges off of the start line on Day 1 of the Crested Butte Ultra Enduro. Pruitt has competed in the sport
since 1997, and feels that “this announcement is truly setting the bar as far as treating athletes equally and
professionally.”

BME is undoubtedly heading in the right direction, and they have a big summer of racing in store! Start planning now, because registration for Snowmass, Keystone and the Series Finals will open on Monday, January 12 at 9 a.m. MST. Registration for the Enduro World Series in Crested Butte will open February 4 online at Event Brite. For more information on registration, be sure to visit www.bigmountainenduro.com.