The 65th edition of the A&D Omloop van Vlaanderen takes place this weekend in Roeselare, promising an event of considerable stature. Enzo Ide will open the route as the “0” car in a Ford Puma Rally1, a model typically reserved exclusively for the WRC stage, adding an exceptional spectacle to the proceedings. Behind him, the battle for victory is anticipated to be fiercely contested, especially as Belgian crews seek to crown their season with a prestigious win on home soil.
The Belgian title fight is sharpening notably between Jos Verstappen and Cédric Cherain. Cherain, driving a Porsche, remains the only contender capable of denying Verstappen the championship. However, Cherain faces a steep challenge: he must deliver a faultless performance including an outright win and crucial points on the Rumbeke Powerstage to disrupt Verstappen’s potential title celebration in Morzine. Although difficult, recent commanding performances by Porsche drivers at the Ypres Rally suggest this is within the realm of possibility.
Cherain will have to contend with a strong field of Rally2 frontrunners hungry for top results. Bjorn Syx, behind the wheel of his Toyota Yaris Rally2, is aiming to improve upon last year’s podium finish. Niels Reynvoet seeks to convert his proficiency with the Citroën C3 Rally2 into a leading result, while Vincent Verschueren targets a second victory following his success at Tielt.
Among the outsiders worthy of podium consideration are Pieter Tsjoen, also in a Toyota Yaris Rally2, and Škoda drivers Fred Miclotte and Nicola Stampaert, the latter having come close to the podium in Tielt. Dutch competitor Bernhard ten Brinke uses the Omloop as preparation for his home event in Hellendoorn, adding further international quality.
Overall, a dozen Rally2 cars will line up, including Richard Pex in a Škoda Fabia RS who has been steadily gaining rhythm, supported by fellow Škoda pilots Robin Maes and Steven Dolfen. Local Ford specialists Bert Coene and Bart Sobry defend Ford’s colours.
Turning to R-GT, several Porsche 911s are in action. Notably, Pieter-Jan Maeyaert — recent historic winner in Ieper with a BMW M3 E30 — ventures in a Porsche 992 Rally GT, alongside Wim Meulders, who recently debuted his 992 Rally GT at Kasterlee. Patrick Snijers remains loyal to his older 997 GT3, with Henri Schmelcher piloting a 991 GT3.
Additionally, Paul Lietaer enters a Subaru Impreza WRC S5, adding variety to the entry list.
In Rally3, where Benoit Verlinde pursues the title, five Renault Clios will challenge against Bram Couvreur’s Ford Fiesta. Meanwhile, in the Stellantis Cup, Manuel Merlevede starts as points leader, but the fight for victory is expected to centre on Maxim Decock, Lander Depotter, and the returning Nard Ippen, who makes a comeback after his serious crash at the Rally of Wallonia.
The revised route includes several notable changes, with Friday’s stages at Beveren and Zwevezele thoroughly redesigned, while Saturday sees optimised sections at Houthulst, Passendale and Rumbeke, retaining the challenging character of the event while focusing on safety and spectator experience. The circuit-style Zoning stage in particular will serve as a rally hub for fans keen to witness top-tier action up close.
