Pikes Peak newcomer Chris Fillmore secured a new outright two wheel lap record, finishing in 9 minutes 49.625 seconds, as KTM dominated the standings.

KTM team mate Australia’s Rennie Scaysbrook was second, just over eight seconds behind, as 2016 winner Bruno Langlois, finished off the podium.

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Following the successes of Ducati and Kawasaki over the years – KTM has stepped up its game, sending a KTM 1290 Super Duke R to Colorado Springs, and entrusting factory rider Chris Fillmore with the task of taming the beast on the 1000m ascent to the top.

And the result could not have been more satisfying for the Austrian brand, as it won the ‘heavyweights’ category, and set a new absolute record by almost 10 seconds.

American road racing star Fillmore took just 9 minutes, 49 seconds and 625 thousandths to complete the dangerous, winding mountain course. He said: “I had a goal that was none other than to put my name in the book of records. It’s hard, because I have experience in closed circuits where you can give 100 laps in paths of 3 or 4 km. This time I only made 4 or 5 climbs … it’s difficult, but it’s a very special feeling to be up here. ”

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KTM has got to be chuffed with that result – and surely there is no better way to promote the jewel of its range? Either way, here’s an impressive on-board video of Chris’ helmet during the Sunday’s race.

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Ross Mowbray

MoreBikes Editor at Mortons Media Group Ltd.

Ross is the editor of MoreBikes (and On2Wheels) - and writes for Motorcycle Sport & Leisure and Classic Bike Guide magazine too. He started off doing laps of his parents’ garden on a Puch 50 scrambler at the tender age of 5, ruining the grass and crashing into bushes. Not much has changed since. He doesn’t discriminate; taking as much pleasure from bombing around town on little mopeds as he does crossing continents on big adventure bikes.
Editor@MoreBikes.co.uk | 01507 529529