Average speed: 1074 m/min. “Noud” was basketed while sitting on two eggs – a motivation that clearly fueled his wings. When the pigeon was reported, it was immediately clear: this is extremely early, perhaps the earliest pigeon of the entire race. Tension rose in Hemelum, and among all who followed. And yes, it became a performance of the highest order:

• 1st Frisian Long-Distance Club (511 pigeons)
• 2nd fastest in Sector 4 (Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe, and the Polder)
• 8th National, 10.263 P.

A series of titles that firmly placed Hemelum in the spotlight of Dutch pigeon racing.

NL 22-4233602 “Noud” – The Gladiator of Hemelum

Meet “Noud” (NL 22-4233602 M), the gladiator who put Hemelum firmly on the international long-distance map. In 2025 he delivered a performance of sheer class: 1st NPO St. Vincent sector 4, 2nd sector 4 national and 8th national over a brutal distance of 1140 km. This is not just an early pigeon – this is a champion born to make history.

His father, the powerful NL 21-1471340 M, is already an icon himself, with results such as 1st NPO St. Vincent, 2nd sector 4 and 8th national (1140 km). He comes straight from the rock-solid lines of Cor van de Ploeg, being bred from NL 13-4729911 M and NL 18-1464929 V – a family designed for the marathon, time and again proving they can handle the toughest fronts.

On the dam’s side we find the fearless NL 21-4223685 V “The Joker”, a kras hen. She is a daughter of NL 15-1587501 M “Hades” from Leo Pronk – son of the legendary Black Queen (NL 11-1603246 V), 7th National Bordeaux and 9th International against 12,942 pigeons. The dam’s side is further strengthened by NL 15-1183948 V “Lena” from Sjaak Buwalda, directly from the illustrious Buwalda dynasty that produced giants like Maicon (NL 07-1154208 M) and Ivana (NL 06-4283945 V) – names that shaped the heaviest classics like Barcelona and Bordeaux.

Everything about “Noud” breathes greatness: his heritage, his results, his presence. He is the product of a master breeding program where national and international long-distance champions converge into a world-class foundation. Noud is not just a winner – he is a promise for the future, a gladiator who has already proven his worth and will undoubtedly leave his mark in the breeding loft as well.

Pure Sport Emotion – Waiting on the Sector

Of course, the big question remained: what about the pigeons on the longer distance? The suspense was almost unbearable until the news came: J. Wiering from Veenhuizen clocked at 12:21, slightly faster with more kilometers flown. That meant the sector victory slipped away, but “Noud” still stood tall as 2nd in Sector 4 and 8th National.
It made the story even more thrilling: a duel fought at the razor’s edge, with Hemelum at the very heart of the action.

A Couple with Vision – Geert & Marije