What a day. What a performance. What a pigeon!
In the brutal classic race from Tarbes – over 1,050 kilometers of burning heat and headwinds – it was Tim Hage from Woerden (NL) who soared to greatness. His win is not just a victory, it’s a statement: proof that vision, discipline, and ruthless selection are the foundations of modern marathon success.
🥇 The Winning Bird: Resilience in Feathers
Against 1,391 pigeons, it was Tim’s hen NL22-8486294 that crossed the finish line first. Released on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 12:00 noon, under blazing sun and facing headwinds, she flew home with a stunning average speed of 1,043.643 meters per minute.
Even more impressive:
-
Tim entered 8 pigeons
-
3 won prizes:
-
1st national sector 3
-
172nd
-
396th
-
That’s a 37.5% prize ratio – on a race this tough, nothing short of elite-level performance. The consistency confirms that Tim’s loft is built on structure, strength, and smart decisions.
🔬 The Hage Method: Relentless Selection Meets Modern Insight
Tim doesn’t believe in luck – he believes in preparation. Each year, he selects with military precision. Only the best stay. His birds come from elite, proven long-distance bloodlines. But he’s not stuck in the past – he innovates wherever necessary.
His formula:
-
Spotless, healthy lofts
-
Endurance-focused training
-
Knowledge-based veterinary support
-
Laser-focused feeding and care routines
-
Performance-first pigeon management
This fusion of traditional genetics and modern loft management sets him apart as a visionary in the marathon scene.
🎯 What Does It Feel Like to Win National?
The tension. The silence. Then the scream – “There she is!”
His hen bolts onto the board, the Benzing system confirms, and just like that… 1st National Tarbes.
Tim reflects:
“In the hardest moments, champions are made. That’s when you grow, learn, and push further. This was that moment.”
It’s more than a win. It’s the reward for years of hard work. But also: the start of something even bigger.
🏆 The Top 10: Powerhouse Names and Rising Talent
Right behind Tim was a packed top 10 with class and grit:
-
Eric Haal (Zandvoort) clocked 2nd – narrowly missing gold
-
J. Hommes & Sons (Akersloot) had multiple birds high up
-
N. Rimmelzwaan (Alphen a/d Rijn) showed top form with three early prizes
-
Hans van der Sman, M. de Vogel, Aris Louwe, Harold v.d. Kruijk, A. Saarloos & Sons, and Theo van Ruijven also performed brilliantly
Many lofts had 2 or 3 top prizes – showing just how deep and professional the Dutch marathon game has become.
📊 Tarbes 2025 Recap
- Total pigeons entered: 1,391
-
Distance to winner: ±1,050 km
-
Liberation time: Friday, July 25 – 12:00 noon
-
Weather: Sunny and hot with strong headwinds
-
Winning speed: 1,043.643 m/min
-
Winner: Tim Hage, Woerden (NL)
💡 Key Takeaways
- The marathon scene is alive and growing
-
New faces are rising through the ranks
-
Smart care, hard selection, and passion make the difference
-
Tim Hage confirms his status as a modern-day fond master
🚀 What’s Next for Tim Hage?
This win changes everything.
-
His pigeons’ value skyrockets
-
His system becomes a reference for others
-
His name echoes across the international marathon stage
But for Tim, this is just the beginning.
Until the next legend,
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
Add comment
Comments