In a sport where numbers often rule the game, where champions send truckloads of pigeons into the skies and battle for glory with entire teams of feathered athletes… one woman stood alone on Saturday, June 29th, 2025.
Her name? Chantal Vredeveld.
Her location? Eefde, the Netherlands.
Her strategy? Just one pigeon.
And what did she do with it?
She won. Everything....
🎯 The Performance: Unthinkable, Yet True
Race: Châlons-en-Champagne
Distance: 381 km
Total birds in competition: 5,612
Birds entered by Chantal: 1
Result: 1st Overall
At exactly 12:00:21 PM, her NL23-9623337 hit the trap, clocking a blistering speed of 1492.830 m/min — faster than any of the other 5,611 pigeons.
No team. No backup. Just one pigeon, entered with full confidence… And she conquered them all.
🧬 Vredeveld: A Bloodline of Champions
For those familiar with European pigeon sport, the name "Vredeveld" rings loudly. Chantal is the daughter of Harm Vredeveld, one of the most iconic names in Dutch and international pigeon racing. A man who has won it all and built a reputation for performance, consistency, and excellence.
But this weekend, it was his daughter who made history.
And let’s be clear: this wasn’t just a lucky win.
It was a bold, calculated decision — and a masterclass in selection, timing, and trust.
🏁 World-Class Competition – But Not Enough to Stop Her
Let’s not downplay it: the top 10 was loaded with pigeon racing royalty.
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Eijerkamp H. & E.J. (Brummen): finished 2nd, 3rd, and 9th with 39 birds entered and 28 prizes — top form!
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Lotte Eijerkamp, part of the next generation, took 6th, 13th, and 37th.
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Dennis Hammer (Lathum): 4th and 24th with 10 entered and 8 prizes.
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H.P.M. Jordens (Velp): 5th with 10 sent and 8 prizes.
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P.J.H. Pennekamp (Westervoort): 7th with 8 sent, scoring 7 prizes.
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Alwin Petrie (Brummen): 10th place with 20 birds and 16 prizes.
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Comb. Sangers (Eefde): excellent with several top 20 positions.
They all flew strong.
But none of them dared to compete with just one pigeon.
Let alone win.
📊 Race Breakdown:
- Release point: Châlons-en-Champagne
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Distance to Eefde: 381.194 km
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Release time: 07:45 AM
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Weather: Dry, light clouds, favorable wind
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Winning arrival: 12:00:21 PM
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Speed of winner: 1492.830 m/min
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Total birds in race: 5,612
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Birds entered by Chantal: 1
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Prizes for Chantal: 1/1 — 100% strike rate!
🕊️ A Rare Chapter in Racing History
This win deserves a spot in the history books — not just for the speed, or the Vredeveld legacy but because it was achieved in the most daring, minimalistic way possible.
In today’s sport driven by massive teams and statistical advantage Chantal reminded us what true pigeon sport is all about.
About believing in one pigeon.
About courage to go against the tide.
About trusting your instinct — and being right.
🎤 Pigeon Boss Says:
“Chantal, you gave us a moment we’ll never forget. This is why we love pigeon racing. You dared to believe in ONE pigeon — and you WON. You’re the undisputed queen of Châlons. RESPECT!”
Until the next blog,
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
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