Jeroen and Stijn Rans (Wijgmaal) Achieve 1st Provincial Victory at Perpignan Flemish Brabant

Wijgmaal - Jeroen and Stijn Rans have again made their mark in pigeon racing by taking first provincial place in the international flight from Perpignan. Their victory comes after a thrilling battle against 633 old pigeons. This success follows previous provincial wins at Valence and Barcelona, with which the brothers look back on a particularly successful season.

Special Frans 744

The provincial winning pigeon, with ring number BE21-2073744 and aptly named "Special Frans 744", arrived at the loft around 20h53. With an average speed of 1090.49 m/min, this topper was not only the fastest in Flemish Brabant, but also managed to secure 13th place nationally against no fewer than 4,850 pigeons.

Top Nest

The performance of the Rans pigeons is further enhanced by the nest sister of "Special Frans 744", BE21-2073743, also known as "Special Frans 743". This hen was clocked second on Stijn & Jeroen's loft on the flight from Perpignan and finished in an impressive 62nd place nationally. "Special Frans 743" previously proved her class by finishing 3rd nationally at Barcelona 2024. She is currently ranked 9th Ace Pigeon Great Long Distance KBDB Old Pigeons over two flights.

Flying Programme

Both pigeons flew their successes together while on eggs for about 10 days. Their racing programme was as follows:
Training Momignies - Soisson in April and May
18/5 Vierzon
25/5 Soissons
8/6 Valence
5/7 Barcelona
5/8 Perpignan

Excellent References

Jeroen and Stijn can present excellent references from the offspring of their top pigeons, including "Jef" and "Frans", the father of "Special Frans 743" and "Special Frans 744". Here are some highlights of fanciers who were successful with their pigeons:
1st International Narbonne (yearling) - Batenburg-v.d. Merwe with a grandchild of Jef.
2nd National Narbonne (yearling) - Dirk Christiaens - De Smedt, whose mother is a half-sister of Frans (grandfather is Ed).
6th National Narbonne (yearling) - Dirk Martens with a great-grandchild of Frans.
7 National Narbonne (yearling) - Jan Rommelaere with a grandchild of Jef.
8th National Narbonne (yearling) - Dirk Martens, grandchild of Frans (in breeding line of Frans).
45th National Narbonne (yearling) - Thierry Thumas & Bart with 50% Rans S&J (Rooie Ham line).
70th National Narbonne (yearling) - Christiaens - De Smedt, grandchild of Frans.

The achievements of Jeroen and Stijn Rans in the 2024 pigeon season are nothing short of exceptional. With provincial victories at both Valence and Barcelona and now Perpignan, the brothers have more than confirmed their position at the top of pigeon racing in the heavy long distance. The impressive results of their pigeons, such as "Special Frans 744" and "Special Frans 743", underline not only their expertise as pigeon fanciers but also the quality of their pigeon tribe. The many references of other successful fanciers who are creating a furore with their pigeons confirm that Rans pigeons have a lasting impact on national and international pigeon racing. The 2024 season will undoubtedly go into the books as one of the most successful for Jeroen and Stijn Rans, who manage to excel time and again.

Jeroen & Stijn, congratulations from the entire Herbots team!

Maarten Herbots