The World Pair Driving Championship Kicks Off with a Clash of Giants: IJsbrand Chardon vs. Tom Coronel
This year’s World Pair Driving Championship will open like never before — with a thrilling showdown between two legends in their fields. None other than IJsbrand Chardon, multi-time world champion who hates to lose, will go head-to-head with Tom Coronel, race car driver, Dakar hero, and full-blooded adrenaline junkie.
The arena: a specially designed cones course in Beekbergen, filled with tight turns and technical challenges.
The stakes: honor, speed, and sheer spectacle.
Horsepower vs. Horse Power
What happens when you pit four elite horses against 500 horsepower on four wheels? Exactly: a clash of epic proportions. In a sizzling cone course duel, IJsbrand Chardon and Tom Coronel will race side by side on identical tracks, pushing precision and pace to the limit.
“If I had no chance, I wouldn’t even show up,” grins Chardon. “These horses have won the World Cup Final twice. They turn tighter than Tom’s steering wheel.”
Coronel fires back with trademark bravado: “Chardon may know how to handle horses, but they’re no match for my horsepower. This will be easy. Bring on the cones — I’m ready.”
Don’t miss it!
The opening night of the World Pair Driving Championship on Wednesday, August 20, promises high speed, agility, and bravado. Come and witness four horses take on four wheels in a race like no other. Who will win? One thing’s for sure: you won’t want to miss this.
📅 Wednesday Evening – August 20, 2025
• 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Spectacular opening ceremony featuring the Royal Stables show, a dazzling performance by AnyDale, the epic race between IJsbrand Chardon’s four-in-hand and Tom Coronel’s racing car, and shows celebrating Dutch pride: the Gelderland, Friesian, and Harness Horses.
• Afterwards: Crazy Pianos on Tour – straight from Scheveningen!
📍 Location: Riant Equestrian Centre – Beekbergen
🎟️ Free entry – but for a comfortable view from the covered grandstand, tickets are available via www.paardenspektakel.com
📸 Photo: Stéphanie van der Weerd