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)
The first morning liberation of the ZLU season is always something special... PAU – the classic among classics – marks the beginning of the long-distance season that many fanciers prepare for months in advance. In 2025, we’re ready once again, and with 11,906 pigeons entered, we’re set for another heroic challenge heading north!
On June 8th, 2025, 2,258 pigeons were released at 3:00 PM in Ruffec, France, for a challenging NPO long-distance race in Afdeling 11 (Friesland). Clear skies, warm conditions, and a light north wind set the stage for an overnight battle of stamina and orientation. And true to form, it was Jan Grootoonk from Bant who stole the spotlight again.
If there's one thing pigeon racing enthusiasts can unanimously agree on, it’s the critical importance of accuracy, reliability, and innovation in timing systems. Today, we're thrilled to announce an exclusive partnership between Pigeon Boss and Benzing, the world leader in electronic pigeon timing solutions. This collaboration is set to revolutionize the way pigeon racing enthusiasts experience their beloved sport.
Today in Belgium, the hot topic isn’t the weather, not a national win, not even a top auction. No… They’re arguing about water bowls. One or two per basket? As the Pigeon Boss, I watched this debate unfold and thought: Are we seriously debating something this obvious?
Middelburg, Netherlands – June 14, 2025 — Under a challenging headwind and over a distance of nearly 290 kilometers from Pointoise (Cormeil), only the best-prepared teams would rise to the top. And that’s exactly what Team Houmes A. & Zn. from Middelburg did — not just winning 1st prize, but also taking 2nd prize against 4,462 pigeons in Afdeling 1 Zeeland.
On Monday, June 9th, 2025, the stage was set for the national race from Valence — a true classic for the marathon specialists. At 06:30 sharp, 3,852 old birds were released under clear skies with a light northern wind. What followed was a grueling contest where preparation, experience, and bloodlines made the difference. And once again, they stood tall: Rans Jeroen & Stijn from Wijgmaal — the undisputed marathon masters — who crowned themselves National Winners of Valence 2025 with their phenomenal cock BE21-2073744 “Special Frans 744”!
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.
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!
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
