Cherain untouchable at the Omloop van Vlaanderen

Lead Battle: Cherain vs Verschueren

This year’s Omloop van Vlaanderen began with Cédric Cherain (Porsche 992 GT) seizing the initiative, clocking the fastest times out of the gate and establishing a lead over Vincent Verschueren (Citroën C3 Rally2). By SS4, Cherain had built up a margin of over 23 seconds, aided by decisive tyre selection and confidence on the early damp tarmac. However, the contest tightened dramatically following Cherain’s puncture in SS5, reducing his cushion to a slender 3.1 seconds, with Verschueren applying relentless pressure and never allowing the leader to relax. Both drivers exhibited aggressive yet controlled approaches, particularly through technical sections like Zoning and Zwevezele.

The contest remained fraught, with Cherain’s team responding well to adversity, managing service park repairs under intense scrutiny. Ultimately, Cherain reclaimed rhythm, extending his advantage in the final stages and securing a win by 42 seconds over Verschueren. No tactical errors, just flat-out driving and some luck with car reliability.

Through the Field: Rally2, RC2, and Support Categories

Bernhard ten Brinke (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) put in a notable drive for third, consistently fast and error-free, yet unable to bridge the gap to the leading duo. The Rally2/RC2 battle saw minor position swaps but was generally settled by pace rather than calamity, with Stefan Lefebvre and Paul Fontaine showing flashes but unable to sustain pressure in the later stages. Occasional minor offs and mechanical gremlins hampered several contenders, but retirements were fewer than usual, thanks to the largely dry Saturday.

Supporting classes saw tight scrapping, including Stellantis Cup, M Cup, and Historic. Punctures and mechanical issues defined several class results, yet overall, the pace up and down the field remained relentless, reflecting the intensity unique to this year’s event.

Incidents, Retirements, and Character

The weekend was not without drama—Cherain’s puncture being the most consequential incident affecting the battle for outright honours. A handful of competitors suffered offs on tight junctions and a few retirements occurred, notably in the early Friday running. No standout accidents marred the event, but mechanical retirements and punctures dictated fortunes for more than one class leader. Service crews played a vital role in keeping cars circulating, notably for the lead contenders.

Conditions and Technical Trends

Weather remained largely stable, with minor damp patches early transitioning to dry tarmac on Saturday. Stages such as Zoning and Zwevezele delivered the usual strategic challenges, rewarding adaptable setups and aggressive tyre management. This was not a rally overwhelmed by extreme weather but rather one demanding maximum precision and pace—a theme reflected by the relatively modest attrition rate.

The Verdict

The 2025 Omloop van Vlaanderen will be remembered for the relentless front-running duel between Cherain and Verschueren, the measured aggression of ten Brinke, and the robust pace through every classification. The decisive moments—Cherain’s puncture, Verschueren’s calculated recoveries, and the tension in service—are all straight from this weekend’s action, with no historic embellishments. It was a rally of tight margins, tactical awareness, and genuine, contemporary competition at all levels.