Ad Van Der Meer (’s-Gravenzande, The Netherlands) wins 1st and 2nd Provincial (South Holland) from Pont-Saint-Maxence against 8.071 pigeons.

AD VAN DER MEER (’S-GRAVENZANDE, THE NETHERLANDS) STUNS AGAIN

PROVINCIAL PONT-SAINTE-MAXENCE – SOUTH HOLLAND – 8,071 PIGEONS

1st & 2nd Provincial – Champion Fancier – Clean Sweep: 19/19 Prizes

Ad van der Meer has been in the spotlight before, thanks to his outstanding results, victories, and, four years ago, the title of Best One-Day Long Distance Pigeon in the Netherlands with his famous "700", better known as Miss Issoudun. This exceptional hen also won 1st Provincial Issoudun.

Just two weeks ago, Ad received widespread attention in the Dutch pigeon press after becoming Champion Fancier (Grootmeester) on the National Grand Prix race from Pont-Sainte-Maxence. On the following race from Châteauroux, he won the Westland Federation (Western Netherlands) by an impressive seven-minute margin over the second pigeon from a field of more than 800 birds.

However, last weekend everything came together once again on the middle-distance race from Pont-Sainte-Maxence. All 19 of his entered hens were basketed, and every single one of them won a prize.

Before the race, his top hen "121" was ranked No. 1 National Middle-Distance Pigeon, while "524" held 4th National Middle-Distance Pigeon. Remarkably, the 121 is a full sister to the legendary "700", crowned Best Middle-Distance Pigeon in the Netherlands. The 524 also belongs to the same outstanding family.

1st, 2nd and 11th Provincial, together with spectacular performances in both club and federation competition, resulted in an incredible 19 prizes from 19 entries at provincial level. It may well be the finest result of Ad's career.

Ad van der Meer races with no more than 20 hens. They train twice a day. The foundation of his successful loft is built on pigeons from Ted Franken (Monster) (Koen Minderhoud bloodlines) and Peet & Ted Kester (Poeldijk). He continually introduces top-quality birds and also breeds in partnership with his pigeon friend Theo de Kruijk, including pigeons from the renowned Leideman Brothers.

Theo has also played a key role in developing Ad's management system. Through his friendship with the Herbots family, he introduced Ad to the HERBOVET products (Raf and Kobe) and the Herbots Animal Products range. Together, they developed a carefully structured supplement programme five years ago, combining products from both Herbots lines. Every season the system is evaluated and further improved with new products.

With outstanding pigeons, a proven management system, and his tireless dedication and meticulous approach, Ad van der Meer is undoubtedly one of today's leading champions.