Half of participants warm up during shakedown 62nd Omloop van Vlaanderen

The 62nd Omloop van Vlaanderen, the sixth round of the BRC, kicked off on Wednesday with the shakedown in Slypskapelle. There was a lively crowd in the village centre where spectators could get to know the cars and teams. Just under 50 participants took part and were looking for a good setup for next weekend.

As per good custom, the contestants in 'Slyps' got the chance to take part in the dress rehearsal, the shakedown, on Wednesday. The atmosphere in Slyps was already bubbling up shortly after noon and peaked during this last big test. Lots of spectators descended on Slyps but locals also enjoyed themselves. Numerous clubs provided a warm welcome and a convivial atmosphere.

About half of the teams registered for the Omloop van Vlaanderen showed up. The top teams had a chance to warm up from 2pm. From 6pm, everyone had the opportunity to look for a good 'set-up'.
Among others Pieter-Jan Michiel Cracco, Vincent Verschueren and Gino Bux took part, but leader in JBRC Jonas Dewilde and top favourite in the BRC Masters Bert Coene were also looking for a good feeling.

"We are delighted to be back as guests in Slypskapelle, borough of Moorslede," said Yves Olivier. "We got a good cross-section of what to expect this weekend. A lot of top and international teams took the opportunity with both hands to prepare themselves optimally. Regional competitors, who are obviously equally important to us, also signed up for the shakedown and used the event to have a chat with supporters. For the organisers, this is a good way to get ready for the rally and make final touches, including on communication and safety."

Participants were also delighted with the shakedown. "Surely this shakedown is necessary and a nice initiative from the organisers, even though it is very short to the Ypres Rally. It's the same region, but the profile is different anyway. There is much less cutting and the asphalt is smoother. Moreover, here we can anticipate the announced rainy weather. We test different things to be maximally prepared," said 2017 winner Vincent Verschueren. "The Omloop leans closer to Staden, where we stayed close to Stéphane Lefebvre's times. So the ambitions are clear," said the former champion of Belgium.