Grâce-Hollogne, situated in the shadow of Liège, was our destination to meet the national winner from Limoges against 6,972 old pigeons and at the same time the fastest of all 16,063 pigeons competing from Limoges. We called to arrange an appointment and father Henri answered the phone. “I’m on my way home from the seaside,” he explained. “I’ll be home in about an hour, but my son Eric is there anyway. When you arrive, just give me another call because the lofts are located behind our company.” Said and done. When we arrived at the Clabots home, we indeed first had to pass an extensive range of building materials (bricks, sand, gravel and construction equipment) before ending up in what could only be described as a paradise at the back of the property. Metres of pigeon lofts stood proudly in a magnificent garden, basking in the sunshine. Eric noticed my admiration and immediately replied: “Yes... we don’t worry about having one pigeon more or less. We have 37 breeding pairs, breed around 400 youngsters every year and race 150 pairs on total widowhood. It may sound like a lot, but if you compete every week from the sprint races all the way to Barcelona, you certainly need plenty of feathered athletes.”

And when we entered the loft of the Limoges winner, we could only conclude that everything here was equally immaculate. Every nest box was spotless and perfectly cleaned. Each section was equipped with heating elements in case humidity became too high, and every compartment had its own adjoining aviary that could be used whenever necessary. The Clabots family has everything perfectly organised and knows that, just as in professional life, nothing comes without effort. Nothing is left to chance here, that much is obvious.

“Lady Limoges”

The national winner in the old bird category and the fastest of all 16,063 Limoges competitors. “Lady Limoges” B23-1028123 is a medium-sized hen in the hand, with slightly coarser wattles giving her somewhat of a cock-like appearance.

Her father is a direct Vandenheede cock (pedigree see photos) and her mother originates from Nibus (pedigree see photos).

The feed comes from Aidi. Supplements from Aidi, Dr. Peeters and Beyers are used, while the medical guidance is entrusted to Dr. Norbert Peeters.

For the Clabots family this is their very first national victory. Previously, in 2023, they were crowned 2nd National KBDB Champion Small Middle Distance.

The foundation of their sprint and middle-distance colony consists mainly of pigeons from Johny Jonckers, Reynckens Jean, Engels J. & J., Deno and Verbruggen G., while for the longer distance races the bloodlines of Nibus, Harrie & Roger Wijnands and Michel Wilms are predominant.

It was a real pleasure to meet Henri and Eric Clabots, and judging by their dedication, we are convinced that we have certainly not seen the very best yet from this outstanding colony from the Liège region.

On behalf of the entire Herbots team, we wish them many more successes in the future.

BE23-1028123
1st National Limoges 6,972 old birds 
fastest of 16,063b.

Distance: 650km
Velocity: 1,287.24 m/m

Pedigree of the father/vader/père

Pedigree of the mother/moeder/mère

Stefan Mertens