Geert Beken wins PigeonLeague 2024 For Youngsters.

**Success and Passion: Pigeon Racing in the Beken Family**

Pigeon racing has been a tradition in the Beken family for generations. Geert’s grandfather was already involved in the sport, and his father was active as well. His uncle, Eddy Claes from Kortenaken, competes every season at a high level with his pigeons. For Geert, it all started with fancy pigeons and later with white homing pigeons. He quickly realized that the performance of the pigeons was more important than their color. His father plays an invaluable role, helping by training the pigeons, being present when they return home on Saturdays, and caring for the breeding pigeons housed with him. This support allows Geert, who works full-time, to focus primarily on the competitions and his family, especially during the winter season.

**The 2025 Season: A Challenge with New Plans**

Although Geert began later in 2024 due to weather conditions, he remains ambitious. Despite the late start being less successful, he is determined to start again with his pigeons on the first Sunday of the 2025 season. Last season, he began with 15 widowers and 12 hens, with the hens mainly competing in heavy middle-distance races. However, considering the disappointing results with the hens, Geert is contemplating competing solely with cocks in the future. This decision will be evaluated during the winter season along with his father.

**The Young Pigeons: A Promising 2024**

In 2024, Geert started with around 50 young pigeons, and their performance was remarkable. Especially in the sprint races, the young pigeons excelled, proving both Geert and his father’s strong preference for this discipline. This effort was rewarded with several champion titles. The young pigeon BE24 2082723 brought them multiple titles, including:

- 1st Ace Pigeon Small Speed United Friends
- 1st Ace Pigeon Small Speed Samenspel Hageland
- 4th Ace Pigeon Small Speed Province of Flemish Brabant
- 1st place in the PigeonLeague

Among the older pigeons, BE23 2021858 stood out, winning 10 prizes out of 11 races. This pigeon secured a 1st place in Soissons in the Samenspel Hageland, adding extra sparkle to the 2024 season.

**The PigeonLeague 2024: An Unexpected Victory**

Geert had no specific preparations for the PigeonLeague 2024 for Youngsters. Yet, he managed to qualify unexpectedly for the final. The strong competition in Scherpenheuvel made the victory even more impressive. “It feels amazing to win the final and take the top spot at the right moment,” Geert says proudly.

**Success with Other Breeders**

It’s also important to mention that Geert’s pigeons perform strongly in other lofts as well, the ultimate proof of the Beken family’s class pigeons! Several enthusiasts achieved notable results with Geert’s pigeons, even winning ace pigeon titles. Could there be more evidence needed?

**Ambitions for the Future**

The successes with the young pigeons surprised Geert, and the 4th provincial ace pigeon in Small Speed Young was a unique achievement. This taste of victory makes Geert dream of achieving a provincial win. “The ambitions are there,” he says determinedly, “it’s not easy against strong competition in Scherpenheuvel and Flemish Brabant, but we will do our best.”

**Changes in the Board of United Friends Scherpenheuvel**

Since 2024, Geert has been part of the United Friends Scherpenheuvel board. He shares that the new board receives many positive responses because they listen to the needs of their members. The new team works well together, which was different with the previous board. Our goal as the new board is to make pigeon racing attractive again in Scherpenheuvel. “It’s a challenge, but we have confidence in a bright future,” Geert says.

Congratulations to the Beken family on their impressive achievements, including winning the PigeonLeague 2024 for Youngsters and securing a provincial ace pigeon title! Here’s to a new season filled with challenges, and perhaps a provincial win on the horizon. Good luck in advance!

Naam schrijver: Buelens, Geert