No fluff. No filters. No hidden agendas. I bring you the raw, unfiltered reality of our beloved sport. From the true champions in the sky to the heartwarming stories behind the loft doors — every feathered tale is worth telling. Because racing pigeons isn't just a hobby... It's a way of life. A global passion. The purest form of competitive sport on wings. Here, you’ll find only the best:
🏆 Real results, 🔥 Real fanciers, 💥 Real inspiration. Join me in celebrating everything that makes our sport the most thrilling on Earth.
Jan de Wijs (The Pigeon Boss)
On Saturday, May 31st, 2025, the mid-distance race from Chalons en Champagne (345 km) turned into a true display of power by the father-son duo W. Geurtz & Son from Haalderen, a small Dutch village nestled between Arnhem and Nijmegen.
On Saturday, May 24th 2025, the E21 race from Sourdun was released at 07:00 AM under partly cloudy skies, a mild southwest wind, and a temperature of 16°C. 4,934 pigeons from 435 fanciers were in the race – a serious test of class and conditioning. But one name rose above all others: Henk Marsman from Zwartsluis.
On May 24th, 2025, pigeon fanciers in Afdeling 10 (Section 10) witnessed a sensational short-distance race from Kerkrade (217.582 km). With a 7:00 AM liberation, favorable southwest winds, and mild spring weather, the conditions were perfect for a high-speed contest. A total of 9,157 pigeons from 637 fanciers entered the race, but only one could be the fastest: a brilliant blue hen NL23-4704289 V from the elite Dutch loft Comb. Kroesen from Erica.
When it comes to winning, Marc Vanonckelen from Halen, Belgium, seems to have the formula down to perfection. On May 23rd, 2025, he once again made headlines in the pigeon racing world by claiming 1st Provincial Gien with his yearling hen ‘Fleur’, beating 1,685 yearlings. But the story doesn’t stop there — 'Fleur' also clocked the 3rd fastest time overall against 4,406 pigeons, including old birds.
On Saturday, May 24th, 2025, all eyes were on the prestigious race from Issoudun (516 km) for Section 4 in the Netherlands. The pigeons were released at 06:45 AM under warm conditions with high velocities recorded throughout. But one name stole the show with a display of dominance rarely seen in this sport: Tim Penders, just 30 years old, claimed both 1st and 2nd place against 4,454 pigeons—and placed 12 pigeons in the top 1,500.
There are great races… and then there are moments that define champions. On May 17, 2025, Kris Cleirbaut from Putte (Belgium) sent a clear message to the pigeon world: "We’re here to win. And we’re not slowing down."
Last Wednesday, I loaded up a group of pigeons and drove to Steenbergen for a training toss. Everything seemed perfect — blue skies, a light tailwind, and a basket full of eager wings. But when I got back home, I noticed something was off. Three of the birds didn’t return on time. They came back eventually, but much later than expected, and visibly tired.
Now, most fanciers would chalk it up to a tough day and move on. But here at my loft, every pigeon gets the attention it deserves — not just physically, but mentally too. And believe me, that mental side is massively underestimated in the pigeon sport.
As a pigeon racing enthusiast, I know better than anyone how important proper nutrition is for our feathered athletes. But besides a balanced feeding regimen, grit and minerals are just as essential! Yet, I still see some fanciers paying too little attention to this. That's why today, my Pigeon Boss Tip: never underestimate the importance of grit and minerals!
If you want to give your marathon pigeons a natural performance boost, Herbovet Herbobeets is the perfect addition to their diet. This concentrated beet juice is one of the top products for improving endurance and recovery in pigeons. I’ve been using beet juice for years and have seen firsthand how it enhances oxygen efficiency and speeds up recovery after long flights.
I am excited to hear from you! Whether you have questions, feedback, or just want to say hello, we're here to help. Use the form below to get in touch, or reach out to us through the contact details provided.
Derde Werelddreef 253
2622HK Delft
The Netherlands
Phone: +31621526452
E-mail: jan@pigeonboss.com
C.O.C. 75551470
V.A.T.: NL860320789B01
