Course De Cote – Saint Gouéno & Saint Goéno Masters

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Located around the small village of Saint Gouéno in Brittany, the Hillclimb started in 1969 with a 2200m course. It quickly attracted many of the top Hillclimb drivers of the time including Martin, Sourd, Tarrès, Fréquelin and Courage.

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After years of interruption, 2003 saw it reborn with the “Montée Historique de Saint Gouëno” which has been running on the Friday ever since. With the enthusiasm of both the public and volunteers, 2005 saw the event grow with the restart of competition on the 2200m circuit. The first handful of UK & Irish competitors were invited to make up the numbers and compete as a support race. 

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The 2005 edition was such a success that the organizing team were able to apply to organize the Final of the Coupe de France in 2007.  With the help of the local and regional government, the circuit was extended to 3200m, completely resurfaced and installed with 2 rail safety barriers.

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The Saint Gouéno Masters was born as a support race with invited UK & Irish competitors competing on the same course and weekend as the highest level French drivers who were competing in the Championnat de France de la Montagne (CFM).

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The Hillclimb course functions as a circuit so cars are called to leave the paddock in groups to join the pre-grill and are taken in convoy to the start line, ready to complete a 3.2km timed section. After crossing the finish line, they continue back to the paddock without stopping, thereby forming an 8 km circuit loop.

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The course is a narrow section of tree lined closed public road. The route hugs the side of a valley with vertical banks on one side and a drop on the other, the middle section is fast (up to 230kph). Nearly all the corners are blind so in order to post a good time a good memory is required.

 

Spectator access is very good with popular viewing spots at the Fer à Cheval hairpin and the crossroads in the middle section (speed trap). 

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The ‘après course' activities of the event have also gained legendary status as the event now with its own Music Festival (Festival Déjante) and has become known as, “The French Hillclimb Festival Weekend”. From Thursday to Sunday attendees can enjoy live entertainment and music alongside great food, drinks and camaraderie which is all laid on by the race organisers to make it a unique experience. 

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The event is organised by C.L.A.P Gouenovais, Ecurie du Mene, Montée Bretagne Sport & Classic and Festival Déjante. It is run by over 600 volunteers and has become one of the favorites on the CFM calendar.

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Course length: 3200 metres (1.988 miles)

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Outright hill record: 1:11.990 – Geoffery SCHATZ, Nova Proto NP01-2, 04.06.2023

Masters Hill Record: 1:16.828 – Darren WARWICK, Dallara F399, 29.05.2016

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Address: Saint-Gouéno, 22330, Le Mené, Côtes-d'Armor

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Websites:

https://www.saintgouenomasters.com 

https:// coursedecote-saintgoueno.fr 

https:// www.cfm-challenge.co

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