The 62nd edition of the Omloop van Vlaanderen will be significantly redesigned. Organisers promise that no less than 30 per cent of the special stages will change. The success formula, with a test day on Wednesday, a compact Friday stage and an intense Saturday will be retained.
The new year has only just begun, but the Koninklijke Automobielclub Midden Vlaanderen (KAMV) is already eagerly looking ahead to the first weekend of September, for the 62nd Omloop van Vlaanderen, the seventh of ten heats of the Kroon-Oil Belgian Rally Championship. That one will guarantee a lot of changes, but at the same time build on the success concept. This is only possible thanks to the constructive cooperation with Roeselare and the other municipalities.
Friday 2 September will be a solid opening day like last year. It will be very compact with the tests following each other at breakneck speed thanks to very short connections. At the same time, the organisation is responding to some requests from participants and teams. In previous editions, there was a "tyre fitting" each time, where the pilots and co-pilots had to change their tyres themselves and so there was no service moment. That changes with a service session in between so the whole team will have to play their part on that important opening day.
The main event awaits on Saturday 3 September with lots of innovations. KAMV's ambition is to make annual changes to the course so that it remains challenging for everyone and newcomers are not too disadvantaged by riders with years of experience. The day will conclude with the Power Stage, so the excitement will stay in it until the end.
"We have seen that those power stage points at the end of the championship proved decisive in the battle for the championship. That importance will only increase, so we have anticipated that with two race days," said the organisers. "By the way, the competitors are obliged to complete three of the four rallies with a Power Stage, so we are already sure that a lot of top competitors will cross swords in our Omloop."
On Wednesday 31 August, there will again be the shakedown, with a separate section for a limited number of participants. In the evening, all participants will have a chance to prepare. That course will also be changed, but the village centre of Slijps will remain the beating heart of this dress rehearsal. On Thursday and Friday, there will be reconnaissances.
So the 62nd Omloop van Vlaanderen will certainly count for the BRC, but the KAMV is also already sure of the exciting Stellantis Rally Cup Belux and the spectacular BMW M Cup. And when the corona waves subside again, the Omloop also expects a lot of Brits for the HRCR Stage Masters Challenge and the HRCR Mini Sport Cup, which already ensures the international character of the 62nd edition. Later championships and brand formulas may possibly be added to the bill. "For example, we received a positive evaluation from the FIA last year, after the European Rally Trophy was also our guest. We have already resubmitted our application and hope for a positive response," the organisers conclude.
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