Aprilia takes the win at Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Following the historic run on America’s Mountain during the 97th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado Springs, the Aprilia Tuono Factory finished the 2019 run with the fastest time in the heavyweight category. With Rennie Scaysbrook riding to a 09:44:963 finish time, he broke the previous record held by Chris Fillmore of 09:49:625. Scaysbrook, in his first effort with Aprilia, raced in the heavyweight category, designated to production motorcycles that come stock with a single piece handlebar, and further confirmed the capability of the Aprilia V4 platform in the naked sportbike. Besting his own time by over 14 seconds, Scaysbrook aboard the Aprilia now holds the heavyweight record to top the enigmatic summit of Pikes Peak, in an event that had an emotional conclusion.
“The event was spectacular, until we heard of Carlin Dunne’s accident,” said Scaysbrook following his triumphant run. “Carlin was a huge part of my Pikes Peak experience, helping me as a rookie in 2016 as a mentor, then going head to head with me in 2018—a race he came out the winner. Carlin was a gentleman. As the final two competitors to take the start the race this year, Carlin shook my hand and wished me luck, as we both told each other we’d see each other at the top. The world has lost a true champion.”
Regarding the race itself and the preparation for the week, Scaysbrook expanded, “The race was one of those occasions where my motorcycle and I just gelled. The work we did throughout the week was calculated and systematic, making the bike better and better, and I’m so grateful to have such an incredible team behind me to help achieve this result.”