Van Mechelen Luc - Oud-Turnhout: 1st National Bourges 9,654 yearbirds - fastest of 16,367b.

Oud-Turnhout and pigeon racing...it is practiced there at the very highest level. People used to have little or no fear of "the back side" but now no fancier dares to say that they win nationally as long as the top lofts haven't clocked on the furthest distance. Last weekend it was also of that. An unprecedented millimeter sprint between Bart and Nance Van Oeckel and Luc Van Mechelen, both from Oud-Turnhout. The latter made it with a difference of 0.04 m/m. Talk about a photo finish. 

For Luc and brother Guy Van Mechelen it is their 3rd national victory. Previously, they also won national Bourges (2017) and national Chateauroux (2023).

Base

There has been very strong play in the Kleine Heerestraat in Oud-Turnhout for many years. Luc got the love for the pigeon sport from his grandfather Alois Swaans. From the age of 12 Luc was involved in the lofts. At first only ornamental pigeons were kept but by his 18th birthday he had his own loft behind the parental home, where he still lives today. At first he started with pigeons from grandfather Alois but everything changed when he met Albert Van Miert. Albert taught him the tricks of the trade. Through Albert he came in contact with Janssens Gebroeders (Arendonk) and the first Janssens pigeons moved to Oud-Turnhout in 1999. In 2003 pigeons from Heremans-Ceusters joined the colony. Other successful investments were made with Maurits Hasendonckx, Ad Schaerlaeckens, Geerinckx LBJ, Vandenabeele Gaby and some other friends pigeon fanciers. 

Chickens as a profession - pigeons as a hobby

Luc is a poultry farmer by profession...and not a small one at that, because in his "free-range chicken farm" 60,000 eggs are produced every day. Together with his brother Guy, Luc finds relaxation in pigeon sport and here too, with 75 racing hens, 35 widowers, 40 breeding couples and 150 youngsters, they have a nice colony. Everything is played here on classical widowhood, with partners staying at home. The breeders did winter breeding. The racing hens were paired on Wednesday mid-April and go to Noyon on Saturday. When they come home, the partner is removed from the loft and widowhood is a fact. Before the flight they always get to see their partner, after the flight they can stay together until the next day. Before the season, they were raced three times, 5-10- 20 km, and then they go into the basket for Quiévrain. From then on, it is only once a day training at home. The hens in the morning, the cocks when the work on the farm allows it. 

No secrets in the care system, full feed every day and when they come home, they give them a dash of Belgasol. 

The lofts look tip top...everything neat and clean...cleanliness a key word both in their profession and in their hobby.

Luc and Guy enjoy your 3rd national victory and we think that number 4 is not far away anymore

B23-6103492
1st National Bourges 9,654 yearbirds - fastest of 16,367b.

Distance: 531km
Velocity: 1300.21 m/m

Stefan Mertens