Motorcycle champion Carlin Dunne has died after crashing near the finish line of the 97th Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
The 36-year-old had been driving his 2019 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Prototype in the race, which he had previously won four times, in Colorado, USA on Sunday (June 30).
A reporter from the Colorado Springs Gazette witnessed bike shrapnel going over the right edge of the road about 20 yards from the finish line and an ambulance was dispatched to the finish area after the crash.
According to the Gazette, riders in the Hill Climb had been having trouble with a small hump in the road near the summit throughout the morning. Multiple witnesses said they believed Dunne hit the bump at a high speed, which caused his front wheel to spin out.
The former champion had reportedly spent more than six months preparing for the race, which is also known as ‘The Race to the Clouds’.
The race’s organisers spoke of Dunne’s death in a statement, saying:
We mourn the tragic death of Carlin and he will remain in our hearts forever as part of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb family.
Carlin will be remembered as a warm-hearted mentor with a competitive spirit. He was a gentle and thoughtful man who touched everyone who met him. We will always remember his contagious smile and genuine love for sport.
Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America, also paid tribute to the motorcyclist and said he and his company are devastated:
There are no words to describe our shock and sadness. Carlin was part of our family and one of the most genuine and kind men we have ever known.
His spirit for this event and love of motorcycling will be remembered forever as his passing leaves a hole in our hearts.
Dunne’s website explains he was ‘born into motorcyling’ as his father, a South African road racer and former Isle of Man competitor, made sure there was a small bike waiting for the champion when he was born.
Until the age of seven Dunne lived above his family’s motorcycle repair shop and he is said to have played with toys made out of old engine parts.
This is reportedly the seventh death associated with the Hill Climb race.
Our thoughts are with Dunne’s friends and family during this tragic time.
UNILAD has contacted the organisers of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with regards to safety at the event.
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Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.