No more motorbikes in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, folks

The organisers of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb have come to a sad conclusion of formally ending its two-wheel racing category. This announcement came a day after they announced the official dates for the 2022 'Race to the Clouds' on 26 June 2022 where they'll also be celebrating its 100th anniversary.

It took them two years to finally decide on the matter after the tragic death of Carlin Dunne back in 2019. A lot of voices have called for the ban years ago after the 156-turn mountain course was completely converted into paved surfaces. What used to be a track reserved for dirt bikes was taken over by high-powered street bikes with 200hp that proved to be 'too much', 'too powerful', and 'too fast' for Pikes Peak.

While speed might not be the main factor in the deaths, the lack of run-off areas, steep drop-offs as riders climb higher, and rough terrains like huge boulders were taken into consideration to finally end two-wheel racing in the yearly event. That, and the lack of staff and medical professionals due to the nature of the mountain road also contributed greatly to this decision.

According to Fred Veitch, Interim Chairman of the Board, "Motorcycle competition has been part of the history of the race off-and-on since 1916, and has been both thrilling and tragic for competitors and fans alike. This has been a long process and a difficult decision, but we believe it is the right decision and one that is in the best interest of the organization at this time."