Team Hooymans WVL: 1st, 3rd and 5th Prov. La Souterraine - fastest 2,579b.

A few weeks ago, we were still admiring the beautiful lofts at Desselgem because back then, Team Hooymans WVL (read Jan Hooymans and keeper Kristof Verstraete) won the national victory from Tulle. It was hen "Anja" (a direct daughter from topper "Silviu" - "Silviu" won 1st NPO Chateaudun 15,359d. - 5th Nat. Chateauroux 8,075b. - 6th NPO Vierzon 2,363d.) which came home with the victory flowers.
That Tulle would not be the last "big win" of the 2024 season was written in the stars and look last weekend it was on provincial bingo from La Souterraine and this with a full brother of previously mentioned national winner "Anja". 
Indeed "Brother Anja" was not inferior to his sister and took the provincial victory - also the fastest of all 2,579 West Flemish La Souterraine racers.

System

The 2024 season was started with a group of 45 cocks and 53 hens, all played according to classical widowhood. With this group, the great middle-distance and long-distance races are played. Kristof also coaches 40 marathon pigeons (played on total widowhood) and of course the group of youngsters bred by Jan Hooymans every year. 
One of the important pillars in this successful system is the training of the pigeons. Not the duration but especially the way the pigeons train is very important. When the old and yearling pigeons fly through the air like youngsters making their first tours in the wide surroundings, you know as a fancier that it is all right. When the pigeons train at home in full season between 30 min and 1 hour is more than enough. 
Another pillar is that nothing is left to chance by the entire Hooymans family (both in the Netherlands and in Mol and Desselgem). Everything starts with a loft that gives the fancier every opportunity to intervene under all weather conditions. Nowhere is looking at a euro to house the racing pigeons in the best lofts. A loft must be adapted to the environment it is in, so all lofts are different. 
In terms of care, Kristof is guided by Aidi's people. Together they discuss flight schedules. Upon returning home, oil goes over the feed and the drinking water is enriched with electrolytes. The outlined feeding schedules are strictly followed. 
Medically, Kristof has full confidence in vet Emiel Demeester (Izegem). "A vet who understands birds" says Kristof "His practice (Degudap) has its own lab and they work, among other things, for all the big chicken farms in the area. Moreover, Emiel - like me - is against too quick and wrong use of antibiotics."

Yet another pillar in this success story is Team Hooymans itself. "Besides Jan (a super motivator), I can always turn to Gregory Bekaert (Team Hooymans.be) and Christiaan van de Wetering (Team Hooymans.NL) for advice.  There are also Tom Van Gaver and Vermeerbergen-Wilms who give me plenty of support. 

Stefan Mertens