Vansteelant Werner - Ruddervoorde: 1st National Pau 3,080 old birds

B20-3035043
1st National Pau 3,080 old birds

Distance: 904km
Velocity: 1,011.19 m/m

Nothing but excited faces when we arrived in Ruddervoorde. Already from the E403 exit in Ruddervoorde we saw a clad of pigeons circling around Werner's loft. There was clearly something to celebrate...and what else, a 1st national on the opening classic of the season on the long-distance race from Pau. The pigeons were released in Pau with a day's delay and that turned out to be a very good decision. It turned out to be a hard, fair and beautiful flight. There were some pigeons that reached their loft on the day itself, the majority slept out on the way and found their way back home on Saturday.

The "Pau" beat everyone in Belgium and wins nationallyWhen we asked Werner if it was a surprise that this very beautiful 3-year old cock took the national victory, Walter very wisely replied "no". He was a favourite, had shown his talents several times in the past and was "well-placed" in the numbers, as they say in the region. Rather slender of gabarit but with little weight, lots of feathers, a beautiful wing and a strong eye.  Anyone would want to put one of these in his breeding loft.At 22.14 he dived from the sky with determination and covered the 905 km from Pau to Ruddervoorde at a speed of 1,044.19 m per minute. A cracking performance. It was pretty clear that the national win would not be given away again..few pigeons came home the same day and the 11pm closing time was not far away. So proud, chest forward .... and a whole night of not sleeping because of the adrenaline that rushes through your body.His pedigree is one with 5 stars. His father is a direct Lieven Buelens-pigeon out of his best long distance lines.  This cock was bought by a friend of the house and heavyweight connoisseur Eddy D'Heedene and delivered to Werner with the message "here, breed some good ones"...and so it happened!  The mother is an hen bred by Werner himself out of a cock from Ignace Viaene from Loppem (100% race Noël Peiren) coupled with an hen from Emiel Denys (lines Cotteau x Vanderwegen).  It was played on traditional widowhood and its partner was seen well before basketing. It is a cock that already showed more than its ability in the past. As a yearling he already flew 58th national Narbonne, as a 2-year old 301th national Narbonne to peak this year with a brilliant win. It is also one that would easily fly in the prizes on the heavy middle distance...(but on these lofts this is not actively focused on).

Who is Werner? 
Werner Vansteelant is a 68-year-old spry fellow. Born and raised in a nest of pigeons, he was the loyal caretaker of former top loft Gerard Latruwe for 45 years.  Also in these lofts, Werner has now been playing in his own name since 2017. The steps to the lofts he does blindly and are worn out by his footsteps.The goal of pigeon racing is long-distance and heavy-distance. All flights less than 600 kilometres are normally not entered with the clock after the race as this is all preparation for the heavy work.The colony consists of 30 breeding couples, 80 cocks on widowhood (divided between old and yearling) and 150 rings are bought annually for the youngsters. Some 60 nestlings are also played. A large colony, necessary for the heavy races. Little is left to chance in care but without many frills. Solid basic health (with a check-up by the vet on top), good feed and then it's can or can't be done.

With a nod to father Jan and the Kleinen
The moment you achieve a national victory, a lot of emotions come to the surface and people also already reflect on who laid your foundations. As mentioned, Werner was born in a nest of pigeons and not just one. His father Jan managed to be honoured with the super pigeon De Kleinen BE92-3346435 at the Blackpool Olympiad. The framework that has been cherished as gold for years will be looked at more closely in the coming days and, while toasting the victory, the event will be reflected upon with the necessary beautiful nostalgia. 
A toast to a beautiful victory, and to pushing the mark !In the presence of Dominique Baert, Eddy D'Heedene and girlfriend Gerda, a good glass was raised to this beautiful victory, as can be seen in the photos. And that is good and that should and that does give pleasure. Pigeon sport is more than a race, it is also a lot of emotion. A national win from a hard flight like this Pau is to be really proud of. Werner and his entourage now join the gallery of national winners !
There is and there is celebration, but the motivation for the future is all the greater, one is not there over the finish line, one is going to push the mark with hopefully more great results !

Congratulations from the Herbot team !

Geert Dhaenens

 
 

Pedigree