No nonsense. No sugar-coating. No hidden agenda. I say it like it is—because the truth deserves the spotlight. I highlight the real champions, share the most beautiful stories, and celebrate every aspect of our amazing sport: Racing Pigeons. This isn’t just a hobby. It’s the most incredible, fascinating, and competitive sport in the world—Pigeon Racing at its finest!
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
On this challenging race from Reims, Henk Scheffel from Elburg once again proved why he ranks among the elite in Dutch pigeon racing. His pigeon NL24-8603196 stormed home with a phenomenal speed of 1156.671 m/min over a distance of 377.769 km, securing 1st prize in Afdeling 8. But that was just the beginning of an overwhelming performance.
On Sunday, May 18th, 2025, a key race was flown from Toury, France, covering a total distance of 378.790 km. In the Samenspel Midden section of Afdeling Zeeland ’96, 1,995 pigeons were released under ideal weather conditions: clear skies, a light westerly wind, and mild spring temperatures. Liberation took place at 10:30 AM, and anticipation ran high.
Saturday, May 17, 2025 – A day to remember in the Dutch pigeon racing world. From the northern town of Donkerbroek, top fancier Henk Douna delivered an absolutely stunning performance in the speed race from Rethel (France). Against an impressive field of 11,293 pigeons, Henk clocked his NL23-48207735 at 16:47:14 after 409.946 km, achieving a winning speed of 1233.850 m/min and taking 1st place in Section Friesland ’96!
On Saturday, May 17th 2025, the Rethel race (376 km) became the stage for a sensational performance by the renowned Gebr. A & B Leideman from Collendoorn. With a strong northwest headwind and a liberation at 11:15 AM, their pigeons simply outflew the rest — and we mean everyone.
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the skies over Zeeland witnessed another masterclass in pigeon racing. The race from Melun Andrezel—a distance of 327 kilometers to Middelburg—featured 8,675 pigeons in the competition. With ideal conditions, a 7:15 AM liberation, and a gentle eastern breeze, it was a perfect day for racing. And yet, one fancier stood head and shoulders above the rest: Gijs Baan.
Saturday, May 10th, 2025 – a day to remember in Dutch pigeon racing. From the heart of Region 1711, the spotlight shone brightly on Jarco de Jong, a young, passionate fancier who continues to defy expectations with each passing season. Racing from Pont-Saint-Maxence (339.885 km), Jarco delivered an awe-inspiring performance: 1st prize overall and an incredible 27 prizes out of just 35 pigeons entered!
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
