Chopard congratulates Romain Dumas on his fourth victory in a row and a new record. Dumas claimed victory in 7 minutes 57 seconds and 148/1000 only, which is sixteen seconds less than Sebastien Leob, who was the previous record holder of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado Springs. For this incredible performance, Dumas chose to wear Chopard’s legendary Mille Miglia GTS Speedblack watch.
A fourth victory and a new track record
Romain Dumas claimed a historic fourth victory in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on Sunday: the legendary “Race to the Clouds”. Driving an innovative 100% electric Volkswagen race car, he successfully run the 19.96-km race and claimed victory in just 7 minutes 57 seconds and 148/1000. Dumas has already won this incredible race three times in 2014, 2016 and 2017.
He broke the previous record set in 2013 by French driver Sebastian Loeb, who had negotiated the 156 corners of the same course in 8 minutes 13 seconds and 878/ seconds.
“It’s incredible! We really put in a far better performance than we could possibly have hoped for”, said Romain Dumas. “However, right from the first practice sessions, we knew it was possible to beat this record. To achieve that, the car and driver simply had to be working properly. I still can’t believe we clocked up such a time. This car is the most impressive I’ve even driven in competitive racing. The transmission of an electric car is really different, and I learned a lot through working on this project with Volkswagen.”
Chopard and Romain Dumas shares values of performance, independence, as well as a passion for ultimate racing and fine mechanisms. For this special occasion, Romain Dumas chose to wear a Mille Miglia GTS Speedblack.
Mille Miglia GTS Speedblack – a passion for fine mechanisms
This powerful model cloaked in deep black was the year 2016 addition to the Mille Miglia GTS collection inspired by the legendary Italian competition for which Chopard has been serving as official timekeeper since 1988. Sophisticated design and technical excellence combine in this exclusive timepiece powered by a Chopard calibre and chronometer-certified by the COSC. With its red “Rossa Corsa” detailing, its oversized numerals recalling 1950s dashboards, its engine-style finishing and its strap featuring a vintage Dunlop racing tyre-tread motif, the Mille Miglia GTS Speedblack – issued in a 1,000-piece limited edition – perpetuates the Chopard classic racing spirit.
