What. A. Performance!
On Friday, June 27th, 2025, all eyes were on the second international ZLU race from Agen. A massive 10,835 pigeons were released at 7:30 AM under perfect conditions: clear skies, light winds, and 20°C. And when the dust settled, one name reigned supreme…
C.J.J. van Wijk & Zn. from Benschop!
Their superstar hen NL22-8463756V crossed 949.921 km and clocked in at 20:12:18 with a blazing speed of 1246.120 m/min, winning the 1st National Agen 2025 in dominant fashion!
Erwin, Miranda & the Legacy of Benschop
Behind this stunning victory is a team that blends tradition with modern drive. While father Cor is still the proud name-giver and loyal supporter from the sidelines, Erwin has taken full responsibility for both the breeding and racing teams – and with breathtaking results. His wife Miranda adds even more strength to the operation by expertly caring for the young birds.
This isn’t just a family team. This is a performance machine – built on clarity, consistency, and love for the sport.
And here’s the kicker: Erwin was already one of our Pigeon Boss clients!
We’ve proudly promoted several highly successful auctions for their birds to our global community of 48,500+ fans and followers.
BOOM! This is how we elevate champions to the world stage.
The Winning Bird: A Powerhouse of Pedigree
The star of the day, NL22-8463756V, came to Benschop through a trade with John Hauser and Ardy Bullee – and what a trade it turned out to be!
➡️ Father’s side: Descends from the legendary lines of Cees Muilwijk, including 1st Ace Pigeons in Afdeling 5.
➡️ Mother’s side: A blend of ironclad long-distance genes from Team Vollebregt, including:
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“De Kaasbek” – 7th Nat. St. Vincent, 2nd ZLU Narbonne
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“Witstaartje” – Half-sister to 1st Ace Kuststrook
This isn’t just pedigree on paper — it’s performance proven in the basket:
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🥇 1st National Agen 2025
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🏅 216th Perigueux vs 7,954
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🏅 34th Bordeaux vs 844
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🏅 109th Ruffec vs 2,022
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🏅 263rd St. Vincent vs 3,023
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🏅 76th Pont St. Esprit vs 811
A hen with the heart of a lion and the wings of a queen.
A Loft Built on Legends
Behind this win stands a breeding base full of greatness:
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"The 378" – 1st National Perpignan 2013, grandfather of Olympic Marathon Dream Girl (1st Olympiad 2024, 2nd International).
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"The 797" – Father and grandfather to countless 1st prize winners across Europe.
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"Japie" – Foundation hen behind multiple national and international champions.
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14-1739275 from Johan den Hartog – mother to superstars like “Fabio” and Bordeaux sector winners.
This isn’t luck. It’s legacy.
Not Just a Win – A Statement
The victory was dominant, but the team’s depth was equally impressive:
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🏆 9 prizes out of 22 entries
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🏅 1st, 397th, 518th, 579th, 1215th, 2861st, 3161st, and 3259th National
A prize percentage of over 40%, with multiple birds in the national top 600. That’s what we call form across the board.
Race Facts – Agen 2025
📍 Location: Agen (Z), France
📅 Date: June 27th, 2025
🕢 Release time: 07:30
🌤️ Weather: Clear skies, light wind, 20°C
📏 Distance: 949.921 km
🚀 Speed winner: 1246.120 m/min
🕊️ Entries: 10,835 pigeons from 1,041 fanciers
C.J.J. van Wijk & Zn. – Champions by Nature, Winners by Choice
With this national triumph, Erwin and Miranda van Wijk, with proud support from father Cor, confirm what insiders already knew: This is one of the Netherlands’ most complete and consistent marathon lofts.
And here at Pigeon Boss, we’re proud to be part of their journey.
From successful auctions to international recognition – our partnership is a prime example of how passion, performance and promotion go hand in hand.
📣 Curious about this bloodline? Want to know more about past champions or upcoming sales? Or maybe you’re ready to invest in your own piece of Benschop’s best?
Let me know – I’d be happy to connect you directly with this powerhouse family.
Because at Pigeon Boss, we don’t just follow the winners… We help build them. 💥
Until the next blog,
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
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