The penultimate national race of the 2026 season for young birds was won by a young cock bred and raced by the partnership of Marc Bosmans and Dirk Leekens in Beverlo, Limburg. Indeed, another national victory for this top-class loft brings their total tally to seven national wins.

The young birds from the second and third rounds were housed together in a single loft and raced with the specific aim of gaining experience in a national race. In preparation, they flew a few speed races, followed by the provincial race from St. Soupplets. Next came Melun—a shorter race from Soissons held on a Sunday due to the hot weather—and another race from Sourdun requiring a two-night stay in the basket. Last weekend also featured a provincial race from Sourdun, but realizing they couldn't win from that location due to the loft's position, they decided to send the entire group from the second and third rounds to Châteauroux instead. And there it was: a new national victory against 12,504 young birds, achieving the fastest speed of the entire convoy of 14,378 participating pigeons.

This group of young birds was subjected to the darkening system starting on April 1st, just like the earliest-hatched youngsters. This timing works well for them; they suffer no adverse effects regarding their plumage, and the birds have a bit more time to transition once the darkening period ends. The darkening is stopped in mid-June, and in early July, artificial lighting is introduced from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. They maintain this schedule until the loft's final race of the season. For the second and third rounds, that final race was Châteauroux, whereas the first round will still compete in the race from Issoudun. The young birds initially flew a few sprint races together before the sexes were separated. We ensure they form some pairings before moving on to the middle-distance races. The plan is to take them for a training toss ourselves on Wednesdays and then leave them together for a few hours. Thursdays are rest days, and they are basketed calmly. Consequently, they only train from Monday to Wednesday, once a day.

Upon returning from the race on Saturday, the sexes are usually separated again that evening so they can eat properly.

Regarding feed, Vanrobaeys mixtures are used here; early in the season, the 'Revolution' blends were used. Later, the birds are fed the 'Dynamik' mixture. Usually, this starts at 50% on Tuesday evening and the proportion is gradually increased. Upon return, they receive 100% Dynamik, along with Hyp100 in their drinking water.

Furthermore, rapeseed oil is regularly added to the feed, combined with vitamins from either Schroeder or Ferdi Vandersanden. The treatment for trichomoniasis is as follows: we clear the birds of infection just before the season starts and subsequently use Raf Herbots' 'yellow drops'. For the old birds, we administer this individually into the beak on Mondays, whereas the young birds receive it mixed into their feed collectively.

BE-26-5027446 "Juul" Cock
1st National Chateauroux 12.504 young birds (fastest of 14.378p)

Arrival: 15:03:21
Distance: 540.050 km
Avg. Speed: 1322.52 m/min