On Monday, June 9th, 2025, the stage was set for the national race from Valence — a true classic for the marathon specialists. At 06:30 sharp, 3,852 old birds were released under clear skies with a light northern wind. What followed was a grueling contest where preparation, experience, and bloodlines made the difference. And once again, they stood tall: Rans Jeroen & Stijn from Wijgmaal — the undisputed marathon masters — who crowned themselves National Winners of Valence 2025 with their phenomenal cock BE21-2073744 “Special Frans 744”!
“Special Frans 744” – Born to Fly, Built to Win
Clocked at 15:33:35, “Special Frans 744” covered the ±754 km to Wijgmaal at an impressive 1,231.99 m/min. This champion isn’t just any pigeon — he’s the son of the legendary “Frans”, 1st National Perpignan 2017 and a foundation breeder with a proven legacy.
On the dam’s side, we find “Special Esmee” from Tom Lemmens — granddam of multiple national top performers in Barcelona, Perpignan, and Pau. His pedigree reads like a hall of fame: President (Herbots), Esmee (International Aurillac), The Special One (PEC & Batenburg), and the illustrious Gelaureerde Jade. This wasn’t luck — this was genetic excellence at its finest.
Dominating the Marathon — Again and Again
When you hear the name Rans Jeroen & Stijn, you immediately think of long-distance power. And 2025 proved to be another glorious chapter:
🏆 1st National Valence (old birds)
Three massive wins in one season — all on the toughest races in the Belgian calendar. That’s not just strong — that’s domination.
And success doesn’t stop at their own loft. More and more lofts, both domestic and international, are achieving top results with direct Rans pigeons or their descendants. The Rans bloodline continues to prove its value at the highest level of the sport.
Valence National Race Breakdown
- Release location: Valence (France)
- Release time: 06:30
- Weather conditions: Clear skies, light north wind
- Distance to Wijgmaal: Approx. 754 km
- Participants: 3,852 old birds
- Winning time: 15:33:35
- Winning speed: 1,231.99 m/min
Goosebumps in Wijgmaal – A Moment to Remember
At around 3:30 PM, tension ran high at the Rans loft in Wijgmaal. Then — a flash in the sky, the beep of the antenna, and there he was: “Special Frans 744”. Joy replaced nerves, and within moments, it became clear — they had the fastest pigeon in all of Belgium.
With no fanfare, just top-class pigeons and a razor-sharp eye for quality, Jeroen and Stijn continue to shine year after year. This national win is not a fluke — it’s the logical reward for years of dedication and breeding genius in the most demanding discipline of the sport.
Top 10 National Valence (Old Birds)
- Rans Jeroen & Stijn – Wijgmaal
- Novak Olivier – Merbes-le-Château
- De Weerd – Berckmoes – Lille
- Ruelle Père & Fils – Leval-Trahegnies
- Geerinckx Bart & Jurgen – Wommelgem
- De Weerd – Berckmoes – 2nd pigeon
- Cooreman Stefaan – Buggenhout
- Van Gaver Tom & Marnik – Moortsele
- Couvreur Yves – Ham-sur-Heure
- De Weerd – Berckmoes – 3rd pigeon
A special mention for De Weerd – Berckmoes, who managed to place three birds in the national Top 10 — a true mark of class and consistency.
✍️ Final Words from The Pigeon Boss
When I dig into a national result looking for the one true standout, this time my search ends in Wijgmaal. What Rans Jeroen & Stijn achieved here is no surprise — it’s the outcome of top-level management, generations of elite marathon lines, and a deep love for the game.
Three major wins in one marathon season — that’s Class with a capital C. Chapeau, champions!
Until the next blog,
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
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