Pigeon Racing Season 2025 Begins with the First National Race from Bourges

The 2025 pigeon racing season traditionally kicked off with the first national race from Bourges, organized by the Brabantse-Unie. This prestigious competition featured both old and yearling pigeons, but the unpredictable weather forecasts caused uncertainty among enthusiasts.

While there was an idea to release the pigeons early so they could arrive home before the expected rain showers, the weather conditions dictated otherwise. In Flemish Brabant and Limburg, rain started around midday, whereas in Flanders, precipitation had already begun in the morning. This led to pigeons in Flanders returning less smoothly to their lofts.

 **Limburg Victories and Debate over Release Conditions**

Leading up to the race, there was much speculation online about who would claim the national victory. Despite hopes for a winner from Antwerp, the southwest wind favored pigeon fanciers from Limburg.

The **national winner among 18,627 old pigeons** was **Niko Reynders** from **Sluizen (Tongeren)**, while the **winner among 17,186 yearlings** was **Visschers & Zoon** from **Maasmechelen**. Shortly after the pigeons arrived, social media discussions arose about the responsibility of the release, particularly from fanciers in Flanders, where the weather made the race more challenging.

**Strong Performances in Scherpenheuvel**

In Scherpenheuvel, several fanciers participated with small teams, while others opted out entirely. The competition focused on **Arien-De Keyser-Kaier** and **Gommaire Verbruggen**, who had already impressed in recent weeks. Both confirmed their status with victories:

- Arien-De Keyser-Kaier won **first prize against 78 old pigeons and placed 9th nationally.

- Gommaire Verbruggen secured first place against 148 yearlings, earning 26th place nationally.

Beyond these top performances, several outsiders also delivered remarkable results:

- Georges De Keyser (Messelbroek) achieved 75% prizes among the old pigeons, earning early national placements.

- Louis Verheyen (Scherpenheuvel) recorded 66.67% prizes, including top national rankings.

- Lucien Laevers excelled with 100% prizes (2 out of 2), securing 8th place locally and 152nd and 406th place nationally among the yearlings.

- Roger Didden & Son, Dirk Roelants, and Georges De Keyser all attained 50% prizes with their yearlings.

Georges De Keyser from Messelbroek stood out as a fancier excelling in both old and yearling categories, marking a successful race from Bourges!

Old Pigeons

Yearlings

 **A New Pigeon Racing Season Full of Challenges**

Despite the controversy surrounding the release of this first national race, attention will soon turn to upcoming competitions. The pigeon racing season has officially begun, and fanciers are preparing for new challenges and opportunities in the national races ahead.

 

 

Naam schrijver: Witte, Geschelpte