Freddy & Jacques Vandenheede (Kruisem) win 1st Prov. Limoges 3.017 old birds East Flanders

Kruisem, East Flanders - Freddy and Jacques Vandenheede from Kruisem have achieved an impressive feat by securing first place provincially in the Limoges race. What makes this whole story even more remarkable is that only last week they took the Bourges provincial victory. With their pigeon "Valentina," ring number BE22-4137404, they managed to outclass the competition, winning against no less than 3,017 old birds in the province of East Flanders.

The winning hen "Valentina" was not only crowned provincial champion but also achieved a second place on a national level against 10,653 pigeons. 

The race had a challenging course. The pigeons were initially basketed on May 29, but due to poor weather conditions, the release was delayed. Only after six days in the basket, on June 4, could the pigeons finally be released. This extended period in the basket made the race particularly tough, showcasing the resilience and condition of "Valentina."

However, Freddy and Jacques Vandenheede did not only shine with "Valentina." Their colony of pigeons also delivered excellent performances, resulting in second and fifth places provincially. On a national level, this translated to second, fourth, and eighth places against 10,653 pigeons.

BE22-4137404 "Valentina"
When I asked Freddy & Jacques for more information about the winner, they responded as follows:

"Valentina is a hen who just raised a chick and was widowed for the first week. In hand, she is rather small and a calm pigeon that doesn't stand out in the loft. She has a very tight back with a strong rear. Upon arrival from the race, she came very quickly, a bit from the wrong direction but not too much. She didn't seem tired at all. You can tell the pigeons had excellent care."

Freddy & Jacques wish to congratulate the organizer, especially considering the six days in the basket.

In addition to today's victory, "Valentina" also had the following performances recorded:
15th Sermaises 1.378b
28th Nat. Argenton 14.174b
41st Montoire 3.882b
41st Châteauroux 3.904b
113th Nat. Bourges 24.006b

BE21-4007014 "Presence"
Freddy & Jacques' 2nd clocked pigeon which ended up being the 2nd provincial pigeon out of 3,017 old birds (4th Nat. against 10,653b) and dropped onto the shelf barely 27 seconds later than the provincial winner.
This blue cock also already showed some other fine performances:
4th Souillac 4.637b in 2022
27th Souillac 1.473b in 2023
58th Noyon 2.958b
310th Nat. Argenton 8.777b

BE22-4137539 "Rush"
Freddy & Jacques' 3rd clocked pigeon which ended up being the 5th provincial pigeon out of 3,017 old birds (8th Nat. against 10,653d).
We may be repeating ourselves but this pigeon too showed some nice performances including:
8th Pont 869b
13th Toury II 254b
17th Nat. Libourne 4.822b
35th Toury I 764b
174th Nat. Argenton 14.174b

Freddy and Jacques, congratulations once again on your provincial victory from the entire Herbots team!

Maarten Herbots