On the 5th and 6th of September, the A&D Omloop van Vlaanderen will proudly mark its 65th edition, taking place in Roeselare as part of the esteemed Belgian Rally Championship. This year’s event is set to be particularly special, as local driver Enzo Ide has been invited to kick off the rally in a zero-entry capacity, taking the wheel of a stunning Ford Puma WRC – a cutting-edge model from the World Rally Championship (WRC). This is a rare opportunity to witness such a remarkable vehicle, typically reserved for the WRC stages, showcased in the northern part of Belgium.
As the oldest fixture of the Kroon-Oil Belgian Rally Championship, the A&D Omloop van Vlaanderen is celebrating this milestone with an array of fresh innovations. Organised by the Royal Automobile Club of Central Flanders, the rally will feature a redesigned course, a historic demonstration race, and a completely overhauled website, enhancing the overall experience for participants and spectators alike.
Significant changes to the course will be implemented on Friday, with revamped versions of the Beveren Grand Prix and the return of the Zwevezele Grand Prix after a year’s hiatus. Saturday will see optimisations to KP Houthulst, KP Passendale, and KP Rumbeke, while KP Zilverberg and KP Zoning will remain as is. An emphasis on safety and participant experience will be paramount, with a realistic approach to the deployment of marshals ensuring a secure environment for all.
KP Zoning will serve as the rally’s hub, where all divisions will converge on Friday, conveniently located near the service area on Zwaaikomstraat. This locale promises an exciting vantage point for fans wanting to experience the action up close, free of charge. Competitors will face a total of twenty special stages, encompassing roughly 190 kilometres of timed competition.
Richard Millener, Team Principal of M-Sport World Rally Team, expressed enthusiasm for Enzo Ide’s opportunity to pilot a Rally 1 car for the first time. “These vehicles are highly specialised, and it’s always thrilling to welcome fresh talent to the fold at events they are passionate about. While the learning curve may be steep, I have confidence in Enzo’s ability to adapt and find his rhythm swiftly. We are eager to collaborate with him and present the Puma Rally 1 to an even broader audience, particularly those yet to witness it in action at a WRC event.”
In a notable development, IDELCO, one of Enzo Ide’s enterprises, has partnered with the A&D Omloop van Vlaanderen. “This rally is taking place right in our backyard,” said Ide. “It’s only natural for us, as a business, to lend our support. IDELCO is a prominent name in the region, and I believe we can create an extraordinary narrative together. Furthermore, I’m excited for the public, the organisers, and our guests to witness the Ford Puma WRC; it promises to be a memorable experience for rally enthusiasts.”
Headquartered in Zwevezele, close to Roeselare, IDELCO excels in the production of high-quality modular and container units throughout Belgium. Their straightforward entrepreneurial ethos, unwavering commitment to quality, and innovative solutions make them an ideal partner for this regional event. With their backing, the Tour of Flanders is poised to benefit from significant organisational support and increased visibility across the area. IDELCO is also engaged in producing insulation for walls and roofs among its various business ventures.
Meanwhile, A&D Trucks and Trailers continues its role as the title sponsor of the Tour of Flanders, reflecting the company’s enduring passion for motorsport. The core activities of A&D Trucks and Trailers involve the construction, maintenance, and repair of towed equipment, further cementing their connection to the rallying community.
