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Mother's stirring tribute to son after fatal Pikes Peak motorcycle crash

The mother of late motorcycle rider Carlin Dunne, who tragically died racing at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, has issued a touching tribute to her son.

Dunne’s mother, Romie Gallardo, said she didn’t want the historic event to be cancelled after her son’s death, saying he “loved the mountain”.

A four-time winner of the race, Dunne crashed his bike within a quarter-mile of the finish line in the June event.

"Carlin loved the mountain. She challenged and enticed him, calling him back again and again,” Gallardo said in a statement to CNN.

"He gave her due respect. He was fully aware of her ability to 'take.'

“With that being said, I know for a fact that he would not want the motorcycle program to end.

"He would want us to learn from this tragedy. He would encourage the official accident reconstruction authorities do what they are trained to do, and for the race officials to implement additional safety precautions required.

An accident at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb claimed the life of Carlin Dunne.
Carlin Dunne tragically died after an accident while competing in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Pictures: Getty Images

"All his life I've known that losing him was a possibility. We went into this with eyes-wide-open.

“We were aware of the flip side of this sport.

"I was committed to him and his dreams. He was doing what he loved.

“So, who are we to take away other racers' dreams of racing Pikes Peak International Hill Climb?"

A wave of donations in the wake of the accident have raised more than $100,000 for Dunne’s family, including a $932 donation from the race’s board of governors to signify the time he was on track to submit - 9:32, a benchmark which would have been a new world record.

"Our family is humbled beyond words. All of your love, support, stories, videos, and pictures without a doubt have helped me -- and continue to help me,” Gallardo said.

"I am truly touched by your love and the ways in which you honour my son. Carlin would have been in awe at all the attention.

“He would have loved everyone coming together in harmony. He truly lives on in each and every one of us."