Daan Roosen impresses with top performances in Pau and Valence II

This past weekend, Daan Roosen from Bocholt confirmed his rising star status with an exceptional double achievement:
9th National Pau against 3.028 old birds(Preliminary 22nd International Pau – against 10,865 old birds with BE23‑5094259 “Vince”, entered while sitting on 12-day-old eggs.
13th National Valence II – out of 1,361 yearlings, also earning 2nd Provincial. 

9th National Pau out of 3,028 old birds with BE23-5094259 "Vince"

"Vince" was carefully prepared: basketed weekly from the end of March with the old pigeons, followed by races Laon and Bourges (this windy flight in the rain, arriving around 21:00). Then a few more 150-200 km.The most important thing to mention, of course, is that this is his 2nd provincial win. After last year's tough Narbonne yearlings "Vince" also wins the provincial title at Pau. Then he was also the only early yearling in Limburg at national level. This was at 850 m/m.
The second arrival from Pau was a sister of “Vince”.

13th Nat. Valence II against 1,361 yearlings

On the national flight from Valence, Daan achieved 13th Nat. place against 1,361 yearlings on the same weekend, good for a 2nd provincial place on the same day of the pinnacle performance at Pau.

Prize list since 2019

Daan Roosen's good performances are nothing new. Since 2019, his track record includes:
2nd national Marseille
2nd national Narbonne
2nd international Agen
8× 1st provincial on international flights
5× 1st provincial ace pigeon (4× long distance, 1× medium distance)
Olympic Pigeon Category E

Game system

Nest racing is preferred here. From mid-March, the racing team is darkened (5:30 PM to 7:30 AM), along with the young birds. Pairings are timed for long distance races, with most birds racing their first long event on 7-day-old youngsters. Upon return, they see their young again to maintain motivation, then are aimed at a second round (10–12 days incubation).

Daan uses three racing teams due to possible losses in preparation. The loft setup is clever: four sections with 12 nest boxes each, others find motivation under slanted boards.

Training is gradually intensified: free winter flights, then flag training from April. Before major races, they train from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM to learn to fly in low light, helping on the early race days.

Nutrition and supplements

Feeding is also finely tuned: Galaxy Light and Aidi Rust in winter. During nest phase, the Jelle Jellema mixes of Beyers are key. After races, they receive electrolytes (Belgasol), protein capsules, and individual recovery. Wonderpigeon and Usnegano are used during the week.

Thanks to this detailed preparation – structured schedule, nest system, evening training and targeted nutrition – “Vince” and his loftmates stood out. A 9th National (preliminary 22nd International) from Pau and 13th National from Valence II confirms Daan Roosen’s growing stature in the extreme long distance scene.
For more info about this rising star on the heavy long distance races you can click this link.
Congratulations, Daan Roosen, on those memorable performances in Pau and Valencia II - two wins in one weekend!

Maarten Herbots