On Sunday, May 18th, 2025, a key race was flown from Toury, France, covering a total distance of 378.790 km. In the Samenspel Midden section of Afdeling Zeeland ’96, 1,995 pigeons were released under ideal weather conditions: clear skies, a light westerly wind, and mild spring temperatures. Liberation took place at 10:30 AM, and anticipation ran high.
One loft rose above all others: the unbeatable Gebr. Dekker from Vogelwaarde. Their winning pigeon NL23-2327146 clocked in first and claimed the fastest time of the entire race!
🥇 Victory with Authority
The winning pigeon arrived at 15:40:35, recording a fantastic average speed of 1,219.607 m/min. Not only did the brothers take 1st place, but also 3rd, 6th, and 7th — a stunning demonstration of loft form.
With 45 birds entered and 29 prize winners, their 64.4% prize ratio is an impressive testament to their system and birds.
Their effort earned them 2nd place in the “Grootmeester” championship of Samenspel Midden with 444,413 points and boosted them to 11th overall in the provincial championship rankings of Zeeland '96.
👬 Meet the Brothers Behind the Success
Frederik (30) and Jan-Willem Dekker (29) are the passionate duo behind this top-performing loft. Their story started far from traditional pigeon racing roots. In 2004, through an exchange of rabbits with fancier Adrie de Bruijne, they got introduced to the sport. After watching their first pigeon arrivals, they were instantly hooked.
By 2005, a small canary loft in the backyard had been transformed into a pigeon loft — and they started from absolute scratch. Their first pigeons came from Adrie de Bruijne and Roger de Schoolmeester. With guidance from top names like Gebr. Scheele, the brothers quickly developed into fierce competitors.
📈 From 100 to 1,000 Kilometers
Today, the Dekker brothers compete in all races — from speed and middle-distance to the toughest long-distance marathons. Their racing team consists of 23 pairs for program racing (up to ±650 km) on total widowhood and 20 pairs for overnight long-distance, raced first on widowhood and later on the nest.
They breed around 100 youngsters per year and maintain 24 breeding pairs. Their colony is built around the strong foundation of Gebr. Scheele bloodlines, and they’ve continued strengthening it with birds from Buck & Martijn de Kruijf, Maurice Noordam, Henk Zegers, and in recent years, Gerard Koopman – especially from lines of national winners and Olympiad pigeons.
Their main breeder? A cock acquired via Herbots from a Danny de Voogd auction, descending from “Bram” (1st Provincial Ace Pigeon Daylong Distance 2007 by Hans Vos) and a granddaughter of the iconic “Super 02” from Gebr. Scheele.
🧠 Competitive Spirit
Frederik and Jan-Willem approach pigeon racing with passion and determination. Over the years, they've built a consistent winning record at all levels. In 2021, they were crowned General Champions of Zeeland, and repeated this feat in 2024 by winning 1st Unassigned General Champion Zeeland — proving their dominance isn't a fluke, but the result of relentless dedication and quality.
Whether it's sending 6 pigeons to St. Vincent or 120 youngsters to Quievrain, only one goal matters: winning.
They also shine on the international stage:
- 🎯 Two-time 7th Final in the Derby Costa del Sol
- 🎯 6th & 9th Ace Pigeon in Best Pigeon Race Milan (2022 & 2023)
- 🎯 15th Final in the Algarve Golden Race (2024)
Frederik is also active as chairman of Afdeling 1 Zeeland’96, helping shape the future of the sport.
🏆 Provincial Highlights
A quick look at their provincial winning streak in Zeeland:
- 🥇 1st NPO Ruffec (3,016 b.)
- 🥇 1st NPO Orléans (2,246 b.)
- 🥇 1st Prov. Gien (2,688 b.)
- 🥇 1st Quievrain (6,061 b.)
- 🥇 1st Peronne (8,224 b.)
- 🥇 1st Roye (4,292 b. & 5,390 b.)
- 🥇 1st Chateaudun (2,273 b.)
- 🥇 1st Pt. St. Max (2,808 b.)
- 🥇 1st Breuil le Vert (2,893 b.)
📊 Race Summary – Toury 18-05-2025
- Liberation time: 10:30 AM
- Liberation point: Toury, France
- Number of pigeons: 1,995
- Distance to Vogelwaarde: 378.790 km
- Weather: Sunny with westerly winds
- Winning speed: 1,219.607 m/min
- Gebr. Dekker prize ratio: 64.4% (29/45)
🤯 Fun Fact
The first four pigeons of this race were also the fastest four birds of the entire liberation. A truly rare achievement!
🚀 Conclusion Fron The Pigeon Boss
From a backyard canary loft to consistently dominating major races, Gebr. Dekker have carved out a legendary name in Dutch pigeon sport. With world-class bloodlines, unstoppable motivation, and a growing list of championship titles, Frederik and Jan-Willem continue to inspire — and prove that the sky is truly the limit.
Until the next blog,
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
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