The first morning liberation of the ZLU season is always something special... PAU – the classic among classics – marks the beginning of the long-distance season that many fanciers prepare for months in advance. In 2025, we’re ready once again, and with 11,906 pigeons entered, we’re set for another heroic challenge heading north!
📉 Fewer Pigeons Than Last Year, But...
Compared to 2024 (13,195 pigeons), this year we see 1,289 fewer entries. But don’t be fooled: quality over quantity – and once again, top pigeons and champion fanciers are ready to make their mark.
📊 Pau in Numbers – Did You Know...
- The highest number of pigeons ever entered for Pau was in 2012: 15,345 pigeons.
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Since 2008, Pau has been raced 17 x. The total number of birds? A staggering 190,370!
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The long-term average over those 17 editions is approximately 11,198 pigeons per year.
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That means Pau 2025 is just above the historical average.
France leads the pack this year with the most pigeons entered, while The Netherlands shows a strong presence with 3,503 birds.
Here’s a quick breakdown for 2025:
- Belgium: 3,028 pigeons
- The Netherlands: 3,503 pigeons
- United Kingdom: 672 pigeons
- Germany: 1,062 pigeons
- France: 3,609 pigeons
- Luxembourg: 32 pigeons
🏆 “Goudmijntje” – The Queen of Pau 2024
Last year, Jan van Gils from Oosterhout made history with his red hen “Goudmijntje”, who claimed 1st International Pau 2024 against an impressive 13,130 pigeons. And this wasn’t her first moment of glory – in 2023 she already placed 12th National Agen ZLU (5,297 pigeons) and 29th International Agen (14,639 pigeons). A true star!
What made it even more extraordinary: due to weather conditions, the pigeons spent 7 days in the basket before they were finally released. Yet Goudmijntje rose to the occasion.
🌤️ Weather Forecast for Pau 2025
On the planned liberation day – Friday, June 20 – the forecast is as follows:
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🌡️ Early morning (6:00 AM): 20°C
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🌞 Afternoon: Temperatures expected to rise to 34°C
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💨 Light winds (1-2 Bft)
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🌄 Clear skies, no precipitation
If the predictions hold true, we can expect a beautiful and fair race. But as all marathon fanciers know: the weather along the entire race line is what really matters.
🤔 Who Will Win Pau 2025?
That’s the big question! One thing is certain: PigeonBoss.com will be right on top of it. And… if you become the national winner, we’ll come visit you in person — with a photographer and videographer — to create a beautiful feature on you and your feathered champion!
From the entire team at Pigeon Boss:
🎯 We wish you the best of luck and an unforgettable race at PAU 2025!
Let the adrenaline flow, the flags fly high, and may the pigeons shine bright.
Yours In Pigeon Passion,
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
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