Victory Racing experienced some of the highs and lows that go with racing at Pikes Peak after the Project 156 bike, ridden by Cycle World Editor Don Canet, crashed in the second section of the mountain course.
The bike stopped running less than three kilometres from the summit of the Pikes Peak’s finish line following an aggressive starting pace that proved the potential of the prototype engine.
Canet qualified first in the Exhibition Class and qualified fourth overall.
Early in the race, Canet posted speeds on Project 156 that put him in the running for an overall podium finish until he touched a painted line in section two’s Brown Bush corner, which is one of the tightest corners out of the 156 turns.
The resulting minor lowside caused Canet issues later in the run.
“I was off to a strong start and competitive with the fastest bikes on the mountain,” Canet said.
“My disappointment is more for the team and how much work they put into Project 156 from the very beginning.
“The bike was working really well today despite being a prototype and being rebuilt after the practice crash a few weeks ago.”
Canet lost 23 seconds in the step off and by the third section was back on race pace posting the fifth fastest split time overall, but retired in the fourth and final section of the course around 13,000ft elevation.
“To go fast here you have to ride outside the paint lines and I got caught out crossing over one.
“I never let go of the handlebars and got right back up again but unfortunately the bike stopped running in the last section.
“Overall, I’m really proud of the team’s effort,” Canet said.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Clumb is an epic race, just watch this clip of Canet on the Victory Project 156 bike to see its epicness:
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