There were 137 of them braving the cold in Pieve Santo Stefano (Italy) at the end of September, as part of the European and Italian Speed Climb, in other words the highest hill racing championship.
137 enthusiasts, of whom the mainstream media obviously never speak, especially since the event took place behind closed doors, including two French people, Amalric White (BMW 1000) and Steven Bellavoine (Husquarna 693) distinguished themselves by winning each their category.
Steven Bellavoine having obtained the title of European mountain champion (Supermoto Open category) after winning the national title in 2019, it was well worth a little spotlight…
We therefore leave the floor to the latter, especially since he was able to produce a lively text in which many amateur pilots will find themselves…
Long live motorcycle competition, whatever its form!
I do not have the words…
EUROPEAN CHAMPION
EUROPEAN CHAMPION
We leave Friday at 3 a.m. for Pieve Santo Stefano in Italy with the father, Amalric and of course Uncle.
Arrival at the beginning of the afternoon, covid check at the entrance to the village, and handing over of pilot and accompanying bracelets, we're there!
We find a nice place, and off we go, setting up the temporary paddock. Relatively unstable weather, just to do two or three scouting climbs on a scooter. Climb quite similar to Spoleto, although with fewer blind turns.
Saturday morning, we are reassured, the sun has come out. Motorcycle and blankets heated, gas for the first test climb (without time).
The feeling is present, I feel good and I am surrounded by everyone (the mother, the sister, José and Cathy who all arrived during the night).
Coffee break while Uncle takes care of the bike, warm-up, pressure and team secrets
Qualification
It's finally starting! I set off, the start is good, the bike is stable and on the ground.
Chrono in 1.37.62, enough to give me pole position in the category with a lead of 1.4 seconds. Satisfied but nothing more, because it is a route that I am discovering, and I am frustrated at not being able to do better for lack of rspotting and rolling.
Race 1
Start as usual ok, but the front tire is slipping quite a bit, the machine is slipping even though everything has been checked. Bitumen? Tire?
When returning to the paddock, the front tire has beautiful marks, almost cuts, weird!
I finished second in this round by 7 hundredths. F**** I'm pissed... I find myself tied on points in the championnat.
Race 2
As always, Uncle knows how to calm me down and refocus me so as not to lose track, and the presence of my family and friends is also important.
Chrono in 1.37.42, enough to be first in my category with a lead of 1.3 seconds, and win the day!! It feels good
I'm back 5 points ahead.
I'm back 5 points ahead.Sunday
What is this time? It rained overnight, slightly drying at the bottom, soaking wet at the top. Strategy. We stay on semi slicks, because we believe in it despite the threatening sky, and we try to watch the weather carefully, but as is often the case, everything is different from one to the next.
The free practice round isn't going too bad, the choice isn't bad for the moment because I'm in good shape, riding "piano" as they say here.
Qualification
We don't change a winning team and we keep the semi-slicks while many competitors, 98%, are on rain tires.
A profitable choice because I took the pole in 1.39.86, for less than 4 tenths.
Race 1
And shit, drops are starting to fall... For the moment, the ground is not too wet, but I still have an hour before I leave. Amalric leaves with the 600 and gives us information on the state of the climb, very wet at the top, almost passable on the first third. The rain wheels have been warming up since the morning. Decision is made, we mount them. Uncle, the father and José take care of it, the rain intensifies.
The announcer calls the Supermoto Open, it's now. I arrive at the meadow, everyone is looking. I'll know on the way back down but my tires are smoking like crazy, it's having an effect, we don't heat up to 50°.
I get off to a good start, the bike doesn't slip too much despite the conditions. Turn 9 I go straight… but I win this first race with a time of 1.49.50, or 1.55 seconds ahead of my pursuer and second time overall in all categories, ahead of the winner of the NorthWest 200!!! 10 points ahead in the championship.
Race 2
The outcome is near. It's now completely wet, and it's curdling. The fear of falling is present because I can lose everything, but also win everything in this last round. I have to be sure, maximum concentration, calming words from the team, fuck it!!!
Start on eggshells because it drips quite a bit. I ride well while being “safe” if you can put it that way on a European round.
I cross the line, with a time of 1.52.47, and I wait for my pursuers to arrive. 10 seconds, 20 seconds is a long time!!
I finished second in this round, but kept the best time in the category thanks to race 1 and won the second day.
It’s done, I am EUROPEAN CHAMPION of the mountain Supermoto Open category!!!!
Outpouring of joy upon my return to the paddock, with a nice burn of course for the spectators and the technical staff!
The podium
So I took first place on the second day but that's not the important thing.
It's time to reward the drivers of the European championship. The highest step, and this Marseillaise well deserved
chills everywhere and enormous pride!!
chills everywhere and enormous pride!!A big tip of the hat to Amalric who shared this championship with me, and who finished vice-champion of Europe in the Superbike 1000 category, and in 3rd place in the 600 Supersport category. The French are hot!!
The first thank you goes to the loved ones of course. All these little hands who work around me so that I am a “factory driver”, the mechanics, the meals etc… How can I not quote him first (he’s the one who’s been writing this status for 3 hours anyway
), my friend, manager, mechanic, Uncle alias Francky.
), my friend, manager, mechanic, Uncle alias Francky.My parents of course, Sabrina and Frédéric, my sister Mimi, brother Raph, great training partner, Cathy and José for their unwavering presence, and Swann for the loan of the motorcycle!!
The second thank you naturally goes to the sponsors without whom this wonderful adventure would not be possible,
COMAS MOTOS
Husqvarna Motorcycles
SME CULOZ
Garage Du Jourdil
Motul France
A2C MANAGEMENT
VM Racing
FRANCE PAREBRISE, THE BEAUTIFUL TIP,
Motorcycle Technic
The third thank you goes to the drivers of this championship, all categories combined, with a special mention to my friend Maurizio Bottalico (sorry for the status in French ^^), for this sympathy and these real laughs throughout the weekend , with the title of European champion in 600 Supersport, my congratulations!!
I will be back next season in a new championship, with a new machine and new objectives.
The last thank you is for you, all those people who follow me and encourage me, because it gives me exemplary motivation and balm to my heart.
It’s done, I’m EUROPEAN CHAMPION!!!
