Giant Factory Off-Road Team rider Kelli Emmett won the opening round of the Big Mountain Enduro Series, a regional U.S. series held in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. Riding a prototype full-suspension Liv/giant bike with 27.5-inch wheels, Emmett won all five stages during two days of competition at the Angel Fire/Taos Enduro.

“This was one of the toughest enduros I’ve done so far, and I couldn’t believe how well the bike handled in the different types of trail conditions and terrain,” Emmet said after taking the win. “It was really rocky, and there were tons of corners that I needed to accelerate out of. The bike felt super stable yet quick in the corners.”

Emmett, a veteran XC, cyclocross and Super D racer with pro wins in all disciplines, is focusing on enduro racing this year, including the Enduro World Series. The win in New Mexico gives the Coloradan confidence going into round two of the Enduro World Series later this month in Val d’Allos, France.