Faggioli bests Dumas in weather-shortened Pikes Peak Hill Climb

One thing that has been consistent about the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb through its 103 years is that the drivers never know what to expect on the mountain and have to roll with its punches. Encountering sunny heat at the bottom to drizzly fog or even snow approaching the summit of 14,110-ft Pikes Peak is a regular part of the challenge, but poor weather sometimes puts some of the road to the summit off limits for safety reasons.

Unfortunately, such was the case this year as high winds estimated at 80-100mph at the summit that blew dust and rocks onto the course delayed Sunday's start and ultimately forced race officials to shorten the 103rd Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, to finish at Glen Cove, about a third of the way up the full 12.42-mile, 156-turn road to the summit.

The abbreviated course prevented reigning all-time Pikes Peak record holder Romain Dumas from challenging the mark he set back in 2018. And in a curious historic twist, the Frenchman was denied the King of the Mountain title that goes to the fastest overall runner by the same driver he beat for that honor seven years ago.

RELATED: Unlimited racer Faggioli brings international hill climb experience to Pikes Peak

Italian hill climb ace Simone Faggioli, driving a 2018 Nova Proto NP01 Bardahl (pictured above), completed the shortened course at an average speed of 91.162mph, just over 2mph faster than Dumas's 89.088mph run in his new Super Mustang Mach‑E. Watch Faggioli's winning run below:

Dumas did secure another division title, though, winning the Pikes Peak Open category while Faggiolo's entry topped the Unlimited class.

Third overall and was the second Unlimited entry driven by Italian rookie Diego Degasperi, driving a 2018 Nova Proto NP01 Bardahl (87.928mph), while Colorado Springs' own Dan Novembre topped the Open Wheel category, placing fourth overall in his 2013 Wolf GB 08s TC Special (83.272mph).

Other class winners included Robb Holland in Time Attack 1, and Steve Wetterau in Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama.

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