Frederik Motton: A Remarkable 2025 Season Crowned with Two National Titles

A winter visit that tells a story of excellence

On a grey February evening, we made our way to Neerheylissem to visit Frederik Motton. Outside, winter felt cold and damp, but upon arrival, that atmosphere quickly gave way to warmth, passion, and purpose. Around the lofts, one thing becomes immediately clear: nothing here is left to chance. Structure, calm, and precision define the daily rhythm. Every detail — from the functional aviaries to the clever sliding door system — reflects a well-thought-out approach focused on efficiency, comfort, and control. 
Frederik’s method is consistent and meticulous. Each pigeon is monitored individually, and nothing escapes his attention. His outstanding 2025 season, highlighted by two national titles, is not the result of luck, but the natural outcome of years of dedication, vision, and strong collaboration within Motton-Coel Pigeons.
From an online connection to a winning partnership
The roots of this success date back to 2009, when Frederik Motton and Matthias Coel first connected online. What began as a simple exchange of ideas soon grew into a close friendship and, ultimately, a powerful sporting partnership. By 2011, they decided to invest together and build a shared project.
Their philosophy is clear: only the best genetics, strict selection, and individual attention for every pigeon. By combining their strengths, they developed a highly effective co-breeding system, allowing young pigeons to develop under optimal conditions. Trust and open communication remain the backbone of their collaboration.

A journey shaped by learning and perseverance
Frederik’s passion for pigeon racing began in the early 2000s in Tienen. Starting with gifted pigeons, his early years were challenging, with results slow to come. In 2007, he faced a defining moment: give up or take a more professional approach. He chose the latter. Frederik gained valuable experience working with renowned fanciers such as Van Avondt and Herbots, where he spent several summers learning the finer details of pigeon care, selection, and management. A key figure in his development was the late Florent Materne, whose guidance and eye for quality proved invaluable. The impact was soon visible. A golden breeding pair produced top national results, including 2nd National Argenton (28,000 pigeons) in 2009 and 3rd National Gueret (15,007 pigeons) in 2013. From that moment on, progress accelerated. In 2020, Frederik moved to Hélécine with his wife Zoë, marking a new chapter. The arrival of their son Finn in 2023 brought even more balance. Today, his colony is deliberately kept compact, allowing him to combine family, work, and sport while maintaining a clear focus on quality over quantity.

Strong foundations in Tienen
Behind the scenes, one figure plays a crucial role: Frederik’s father, Jos Motton. Since 2018, all breeding activities have been centralized in Tienen, where Jos manages the breeders with great care and dedication. With 26 fixed pairs and 24 foster pairs, the breeding loft is built on both structure and renewal. Each year, most pairings are reshuffled to maintain progress. During the racing season, Jos also supports with training and daily care — a contribution that is invaluable to the overall success.

The power of elite bloodlines
At the heart of the colony are several outstanding bloodlines, with the Ona line standing out as the most influential.
“Ona,” born in 2019 from the first joint breeding, quickly proved her worth as 8th National Ace Pigeon KBDB Great Middle Distance (yearlings) in 2020. Since then, she has grown into a true foundation hen, producing a series of top-class descendants.

Among them:

• “Liona” – 5th National Ace Pigeon KBDB Great Middle Distance young birds (2024)
• “Fiona” – 19th National Ace Pigeon KBDB Sprint yearlings (2023)
• “Olympic Félona” – 4th National Ace Pigeon KBDB Small Middle Distance old birds & 2nd Olympiad Pigeon (Dortmund 2026, Category H)
• “Ronan” – 6th National Ace Pigeon KBDB Sprint young birds (2025) & 12th Olympiad Pigeon (Category F)

Her influence is undeniable:

• 100% of the national title in small middle distance traces back to Ona
• 75% of the national sprint title carries her bloodline

By pairing Ona annually with proven top breeders from leading lofts, Frederik and Matthias ensure continuous improvement and renewal.

Alongside Ona, the Olympiad line and the Derwa line further strengthen the colony, both producing Olympiad pigeons and national champions. Notably, these lines combine exceptionally well with the Ona line, creating a powerful genetic base.

Care, feeding, and a simple but effective system

Frederik’s approach to care is both modern and straightforward. He relies on Aidi feeding mixtures and follows a structured feeding schedule. Veterinary guidance is provided by Simon Cans (NeorniVet), ensuring professional medical support. Young pigeons are trained daily, fed once per day, and managed through a system of darkening and lighting to control their form. From mid-July onwards, the sliding door system is introduced. The racing team of hens follows a similar philosophy: simplicity, regularity, and calm. Regardless of the race distance, feeding remains consistent. Motivation is carefully managed — partners are only shown upon return, avoiding unnecessary stress while maintaining drive.

A season to remember

The results speak for themselves.

2025 highlights:

• 1st National Champion KBDB Sprint Young Birds
• 1st National Champion KBDB Small Middle Distance Young Birds
• Golden Pigeon Superstar of the Year (Sprint)
• 2nd Olympiad Pigeon (Dortmund 2026, Category H)
• Multiple national ace pigeon rankings and international top results

Combined with strong performances in 2023 and 2024, Frederik has firmly established himself among the elite of Belgian pigeon racing.

More than results

What truly defines this visit is not just the impressive list of achievements, but the story behind them. A story of friendship, family, and relentless dedication. The partnership with Matthias, the unwavering support of his father Jos, and the backing of their families form the true foundation of this success.
We sincerely thank Frederik for his warm welcome and openness. After an exceptional 2025, one thing is certain: the future looks just as promising.
For 2026, we wish Frederik and his team continued success — but above all, lasting passion and enjoyment in this remarkable sport.

For the Herbots Team
Julien Lelièvre-Damit