By Since 1976, the 1.143 miles (1840 metres) in distance hill-climb, race circuit on public roads from Marchaux to Amagney, located in France near the Switzerland border, has enjoyed a storied racing history.
Last week, coinciding with European Hill Climb Road Race Championship in Austria, at Julbach, the third round of ‘Championnat de France de la Montagne’ at Marchaux commenced with glorious, bright, sunny weather on Saturday, wet conditions on Sunday.
Notable circulating competitors included Steven Bellavoine (former permanent IRRC Superbike rider), Mathieu Rieder (currently twelfth in IRRC Supersport Championship standings after Hengelo season opener) and Bob Bardot (Marchaux track record holder – 1.06.011 set in 2022).
Main organiser of Marchaux hill climb is AMD (Amicale Motocycliste du Doubs), whose president is Patrick Alzingre, ex hill-climb road racer and 300 Curves of Gustav Havel, Horice experienced (2009-2011) in GP 250, Superbike categories.
At this point, we would like to wish a very speedy, full recovery for one of AMD’s famous members, Jonathan Goetschy, following his unfortunate fall at Glen Helen during the Opul Superstock race from TT 2025.
Next rounds of ‘Championnat de France de la Montagne’ will be next month at Panissieres (5th-6th July) and Petit Abergement (26th-27 July), clashing with second, third IRRC 2025 rounds at Imatranajo and Chimay (Chimay Open Trophy).
Top 10 finishers for Superbike/Supersport categories from Marchaux Hill Climb, are as follows:
Superbike:
1st – Robert Henriot (overall winner – fastest overall – 1.06.908)
2nd – Joffray Lelievre
3rd – Steven Bellavoine
4th – Bob Bardot
5th – Arnaud David
6th – Uwe Rademacher
7th – Franck Fournier-Bidoz
8th – Anthony Senot
9th – Anthony Henriot
10th – Frederic Bongard
Supersport:
1st – Joffray Lelievre
2nd – Damien Galfre
3rd – Hugo Grange-Martin
4th – Loic Sirot
5th – Steven Bellavoine
6th – Simon Romieu
7th – Mathieu Rieder
8th – Joe Thauront
9th – Yoan Poloni
10th – Uwe Rademacher
Photo credit: Michael Wincott
Words by Jan Vavra
