By At the same time as the Oliver’s Mount Barry Sheene Festival and Classic Bike event in Chimay (19th-20th July), the fifth ‘Championnat de France de la Montagne’ round of 2025, took place on public roads from Le Petit-Abergement to Haut-Valromey, close to the Swiss border.
This was the ninth edition of this event, organised by Ain Motorcycle Union.
Joffray Lelievre, Superbike category winner, third in Supersport, was the fastest rider overall with a track time of 1.17.423, not far off the lap-record held by Bod Bardot (1.17.359 in 2022).
Hugo Grange-Martin swooped Supersport victory spoils while 2023, 2024 permanent IRRC Superbike rider Steven Bellavoine, placed runner-up, seventh on the SBK, 600cc times sheets.
At this point, we would like to wish a speedy recovery, to one of France’s established roads scene talents, Yann Galli, Manx Grand Prix, Northwest 200, IRRC experienced rider, after his unfortunate incident during Southern 100 Supersport qualifying at Stadium Bend.
The final two rounds of this year’s French Hill Climb Championship, take place this month at Marlhes En Montagne (16th-17th August) and Frangy (30th-31st August).
Top 10 finishers for Superbike/Supersport categories from Le Petit-Abergement, are as follows:
(Best track time located near racer´s name)
Superbike:
1st – Joffray Lelievre – 1.17.423
2nd – Steven Bellavoine – 1.19.654
3rd – Franck Fournier-Bidoz – 1.21.100
4th – Mickael Augras – 1.21.329
5th – Arnaud David – 1.21.476
6th – Uwe Rademacher – 1.21.483
7th – Damien Duck – 1.21.531
8th – Valentin Citton – 1.22.097
9th – Teo Croze – 1.22.597
10th – Anthony Senot – 1.22.909
Supersport:
1st – Hugo Grange-Martin – 1.18.485
2nd – Simon Romieu – 1.18.697
3rd – Joffray Lelievre – 1.18.906
4th – Joe Thauront – 1.20.211
5th – Florent Forgeois – 1.20.764
6th – Damien Galfre – 1.21.147
7th – Steven Bellavoine – 1.21.404
8th – Yoan Poloni – 1.21.886
9th – Loci Sirot – 1.23.044
10th – Uwe Rademacher – 1.23.302
Photo credit: Michael Wincott
Words by Jan Vavra
