From national winner to national ace pigeon: Johan De Belser (Berlaar) has it all
16 Aug 2026
We certainly don’t need to introduce Johan De Belser from Berlaar. In 2020, he was crowned 3rd National Ace Pigeon in the Long Middle Distance for Yearlings by the KBDB with his top hen “Het 001.” In 2022, he followed that up with a national victory with “Sarah,” who won 1st National Châteauroux against no fewer than 5,720 pigeons and was also the fastest of 9,723 pigeons; and now, with “Rayo,” he has claimed 1st National Ace Pigeon in the Long Middle Distance for Old Birds (KBDB) in 2026. With numerous other top national results and international successes at the OLR in China to boot, Johan De Belser has more than proven that he possesses absolute top-tier quality. It’s no wonder, then, that many fanciers, both at home and abroad, are familiar with and appreciate the exceptional quality of the pigeons in the lofts at Berlaar. Johan built his colony with pigeons from his father Vic De Belser, Gaston Van de Wouwer (Berlaar), Jos and Jules Engels (Putte), Geert Lambrechts (Hallaar), Jos Maris (Itegem), Luc Vervoort (Hallaar), Willy Daniels (Kessel), Frans & Dirk Maris (Itegem), Pieter Veenstra (NL), Fokkinga-Elzinga (NL), and Peter Schmitz (NL)
“Sarah”: 1st National Chateauroux (5,720 pigeons) and fastest of 9,723 pigeons.
A national winner with a pedigree to die for. Her sire, BE20-6093302, is a purebred pigeon from Geert Lambrechts, directly descended from two true performance pigeons. The sire of this cock is BE16-6100457, who flew a prize from Noyon for no fewer than three weeks in a row. The dam is BE16-6100449, an absolute top hen with, among other achievements, 4th National Châteauroux against 14,762 pigeons and 2nd Provincial against 1,406 pigeons on her record. Sarah’s maternal line is also of exceptional class. In 2020, Johan De Belser placed 3rd National Ace Pigeon in the Long Middle Distance for Yearlings (KBDB) with their top hen Het 001 (BE19-6035001). Sarah’s grandmother is none other than the mother of “Het 001”: the fantastic breeder Daughter Torre 491 (BE14-6070491). Daughter Torre 491 is a granddaughter of Gaston van de Wouwer’s legendary Kaasboer. It is precisely this combination of the De Belser strain with the proven Van de Wouwer line that has produced outstanding results in recent years. Sarah is the latest and most striking proof of this.
Her mother, Liande3 (BE15-6285324), also contributes a second top foundation to the pedigree. She is a daughter of Super 083/02 (BE02-6183083), a son of Goldwin and a nest brother of the foundation sire Den 500. Goldwin is the grandfather of two absolute top performers: Amalia, 1st National Ace Pigeon GHF KBDB 2011, and Nicolaas, 1st National Ace Pigeon GHF KBDB 2013. A daughter of Sarah? Buy No. 2 in Johan de Belser’s Pigeon Bids = invest in proven class. What makes this pigeon so interesting as a breeding bird is not only her national victory, but above all the immense amount of proven quality behind her. Here you get a unique combination of Geert Lambrechts × De Belser × Gaston van de Wouwer, with proven winners, national ace pigeons, and top breeders on both sides. Sarah has not only proven herself capable of winning. Her pedigree demonstrates that she comes from a family that has passed down quality generation after generation. A offspring of Sarah is therefore not a gamble on a beautiful pedigree. It is an investment in a proven national winner, linked to some of the strongest Belgian performance lines. If you want to breed for the future, start with proven class. Sarah is an exceptional example of this.
“Melina”:
- 1st Best Pigeon in 7 National Flights, KBDB ’25 - 1st Best Pigeon, Bourges ’24–’25
- 4th Olympic Pigeon Cat. H ’25 - 10th National Ace Pigeon GMD Yearlings KBDB 2024
- 10th National Ace Pigeon GMD Old Birds KBDB 2025
5th Nat. Bourges 5,261 p. - 18th Nat. Bourges 7,617 p. - 18th National Sancoins 12,958 p. - 18th National Argenton 4,077p. - 27th National Bourges 8,132 p. - 37th National Bourges 9,654 p. - 91st National Argenton 15,386 p. - 151st National Argenton 11,777 p.
Her sire, BE21-6030889 “Fik,” was placed directly in the breeding loft. Gr.V. BE19-6035392 is a full brother of “Asterix,” 10th National Ace Pigeon Young Birds Heavy Middle Distance in 2019. Gr.M. “Mother Fik” BE20-6249468 is a half-sister to “Het 001,” who was 3rd National Ace Pigeon, Long Middle Distance, Yearlings, KBDB in 2020.
Her mother: BE20-6183534 “New 491” is a half-sister of Purchase 2.
Gr.V. BE16-6021406 “New Junior 500” is, in turn, a son of “Junior 500,” who placed 26th National Bourges 11,756 pigeons. - 34th Nat. Argenton 6,177 pigeons - 57th Nat. Chateauroux 17,109 pigeons - 86th Nat. Limoges 10,448 pigeons.
Gr.M. BE14-6070491 “Dochter Torre” Inbred to “Kaasboer” by Gaston Van De Wouwer is a daughter of
BE03-6257240 “Torre” (Original Gaston Van De Wouwer) × BE12-606023228 “Angel”
Best breeding son of the world-famous ‘Kaasboer’.
‘Torre’ is the sire of, among others:
‘Kim’ 1st National Gueret 14,245 pigeons, 4th Provincial Salbris 1,080 pigeons, 38th National Argenton 23,900 pigeons.
‘Sister Kim’ 1st Provincial Montluçon 1,913d.
‘Marieke’ 5th National Limoges 14,211d
‘Dina’ 9th National South Bourges 11,739d, 28th National Bourges 30,742d
‘Torre’ is the double grandfather of:
‘New Kim’ 1st National Ace Pigeon GHF KBDB 2018
BE12-606023228 ‘Angel’
Daughter of ‘Rik,’ who is a direct son of the world-famous ‘Kaasboer’
In this auction, you can find a full brother of “Melina” in lot 3.
“Rayo” BE24-6095051 1st National Ace Pigeon, Heavy Middle Distance, KBDB 2026
Prizes counting toward the 2026 Heavy Middle Distance Championship are printed in bold
10 Nat. La Châtre 4,633 p. 539 km (1 club, 76 p.)
20 Nat. Bourges 5,316 p. 475 km (1 club, 59 p.)
27 Nat. La Châtre 10,300 p. 539 km (1 club, 144 p.)
52 Nat. Bourges 17,189 p. 475 km (2 clubs, 373 p.)
56 Nat. Bourges 11,056 p. 475 km (2nd club 208 p.)
59 Nat. Argenton 15,386 p. 552 km
70 Nat. Argenton 5,812 p. 552 km
Her Sire: BE23-6016830 “Side Up”
Grandfather: BE21-6230369 “Marisman” (Maris Frans & Dirk), also sire of BE25-6040609 “Nine Again,” 18th National Argenton 11,600 pigeons. He, in turn, is a son of “Sunny”
BE18-6061806, who placed 12th National Issoudun 11,465 pigeons and 27th National Argenton 5,158 pigeons.
Gr.M “Het 001” = 3rd National Ace Pigeon Heavy Middle Distance KBDB ’20
The grandmother of “Side Up” is none other than the mother of “Het 001”: the fantastic breeder Daughter Torre 491 (BE14-6070491).Daughter Torre 491 is a granddaughter of Gaston van de Wouwer’s legendary “Kaasboer.” It is precisely this combination of the De Belser strain with the proven Van de Wouwer line that has produced outstanding results in recent years.
Her mother: BE22-6031472 “Serina”
In addition to being the mother of “Rayo,” ‘Serina’ is also the mother of “Triple 7” and “701”
“Triple 7” = 11th National Argenton 18,837 pigeons
“701” = 45th National 11,600 pigeons
Grand Grandmother: “Sunlight Kaasboer,” inbred to “Kaasboer”
Grandmother: “Venus,” granddaughter of “083/02” = grandfather of “Amalia,” 1st National Ace Pigeon Heavy Middle Distance 2011, and “Nikolaas,” 1st National Ace Pigeon Heavy Middle Distance 2013
Lot 4 in this auction features a half-brother of “Rayo” on the sire’s side.
Notable Achievements
“Sarah” BE21-6030711: 1st National Chateauroux 5,720 pigeons ’22 (son = Purchase 2 and granddaughter = Purchase 5)
“Rayo” BE24-6095051: 1st National Ace Pigeon Old Birds Long Middle Distance KBDB ’26 (half-brother = Purchase 4)
“Double 9” BE19-6035099: 1st Semi-National Vierzon 4,019 pigeons ’20 (Granddaughter = Purchase 1)
“Viktor” BE23-6019532: 1st Provincial Sermaises 8,091 pigeons ’23
“Favi” BE25-6040733: 1st National South Bourges 1,204 pigeons ’25
“Het 001” BE19-6035001: 1st Prov. Ace Pigeon YL Long Middle Distance ’20 (Grandson = Purchase 4)
“Melina” BE23-6016800: 1st Nat. South Bourges 818d. ’25 (Brother = purchase 3)
“Mister Belgium” BE07-6031626: 1st National Ace Pigeon Young Birds Long Middle Distance KBDB ’07
“Melina” BE23-6016800: 1st National Ace Pigeon Old Birds 7 National Flights ’25 (Brother = purchase 3)
“White Spirit” BE01-6346004: 1st Provincial Limoges 3,824 pigeons ’02
“Provy” BE06-6033824: 1st Provincial Blois 2,418 pigeons ’07
“Junior 500” BE07-6031645: 1st Provincial Bourges 1,728 p. ’09 (Grandson = Purchase 2)
“Summer of 69”: BE07-6031669: 1st Provincial Chateauroux 1,605 p. ‘09
“Sophia” BE21-6030701: 1st Prov. Sermaises 2,795 pigeons and fastest of 14,061 pigeons
1st Prov. Champion 1+2 Young Birds, Long Middle Distance ‘24
“Lady Super 491” BE24-6095220: 2nd National Ace Pigeon YL 7 National Flights ’25 (Half-brother = purchase 6)
“Loki” BE25-6040559: 2nd National South Bourges 1,204 pigeons ’25
“Endura” BE21-6030784: 2nd National South Limoges 1,863 p. ’24
“Stavros” BE25-6040607: 2nd Provincial La Châtre 2,459 p. ’26
“Fisher” BE00-6485504: 2nd Provincial Chateauroux 2,687 pigeons, ‘02
“Thalia” BE23-6016517: 3rd National Argenton 17,573 pigeons, ‘24
“Het 001” BE19-6035001: 3rd National Ace Pigeon YL Long Middle Distance KBDB ’20 (Grandson = purchase 4)
“Bocca” BE15-6046414: 3rd National La Souterraine 9,580 pigeons ’16
“De Kalme” BE01-6346053: 3rd Semi-National Argenton 8,142 pigeons ’02
“Double 9” BE19-6035099: 4th National Issoudun 9,777 pigeons ’21 (Granddaughter = Purchase 1)
“Rainbouw” BE18-6061091: 4th National Issoudun 11,465 pigeons ’19 (Grandson = Purchase 7)
4th National Champion 1st & 2nd Place Old Birds
“Melina” BE23-6016800: 5th National Bourges 5,261 p. ’25 (Brother = Purchase 3)
“La Souty 5” BE10-6031041: 5th National La Souterraine 17,017 p. ’10
“La Souty 6” BE10-6031006: 6th National La Souterraine 17,017 p. ’10
6th National Champion 1st & 2nd Young Birds, Long Middle Distance ‘24
“Rayo” BE24-6095051: 8th National South Bourges 2,373 pigeons ’25 (Half-brother = purchase 4)
“Rayo” BE24-6095051: 10th National La Châtre 4,633 pigeons ’26 (Half-brother = purchase 4)
“Melina” BE23-6016800: 10th National Ace Pigeon YL Long Middle Distance KBDB ’24 (Brother = purchase 3)
“Melina” BE23-6016800: 10th National Ace Pigeon YL Long Middle Distance KBDB ’25 (Brother = purchase 3)
“Loki” BE25-6040559: 12th National La Châtre 7,634 pigeons ’26
“Lorena” BE24-6095095: 15th National Bourges 11,056 pigeons ’25
“Melina” BE23-6016800: 16th Semi-National Vierzon 6,538 pigeons ’26 (Brother = purchase 3)
“Melina” BE23-6016800: 18th National Sancoins 12,958 pigeons ’24 (Brother = purchase 3)
“Nine Again” BE25-6040609: 18th National Argenton 11,600 p. ’25
“Melina” BE23-6016800: 18th National Bourges 7,617 p. ’24 (Brother = purchase 3)
“Melina” BE23-6016800: 18th National Argenton 4,077 pigeons ’25 (Brother = purchase 3)
“Rayo” BE24-6095051: 20th National Bourges 5,316 pigeons ’26 (Half-brother = purchase 4)
BE24-6095038: 22nd National Sancoins 9,582 pigeons ’26
“Rayo” BE24-6095051: 27th National La Châtre 10,300 pigeons ’26 (Half-brother = purchase 4)
Pigeon-Bids Johan De Belser:
The auction starts on Monday 10 August at 2.00 pm and ends on Wednesday 19 August at 2.00 pm!
In this auction you will find, amongst others:
- “Lorena” – 15th National Bourges
- Child of “Sarah” – 1st National Châteauroux
- Grandchild of “Sarah” – 1st National Châteauroux
- Brother of “Melina” – 1st Best Pigeon in 7 National Races 2025 & 4th Olympiad Pigeon Cat. H 2025
- Half-brother of “Rayo” – 1st National Ace Pigeon Heavy Middle Distance KBDB 2026
This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire pigeons from one of the strongest performing bloodlines of the moment. Johan De Belser’s loft in Berlaar has been among the very best for many years, with top national honours, international successes and outstanding results in prestigious one-loft races in China. The pigeons on offer come from a family that time and again proves its exceptional qualities both in flight and in the breeding loft. Anyone looking for proven performance, top pedigree and lasting breeding value should not miss this auction.
Invest in proven top quality and seize this unique opportunity!
References
- 1st place, Beijing Derby (500 km)
- 1st place, Kaier One Loft Race (400 km)
- 1st place, National Ace Pigeon (Speed), Morocco
- 4th place, Tian Jing Pen Xiang One Loft Race (300 km)
- 5th place, Tian Jing Pen Xiang One Loft Race (400 km)
- 6th place in the Gui Zhou Hong Feng One Loft Race Final (500 km)
- 8th place in Ningxia (China) among 7,200 pigeons (500 km)
- 16th place in the Tian Long One Loft Race (400 km)
- 18th place overall after 4 races, Xi’an Hui Nen
- 19th place overall after 4 races, Anhui Ting Bo One Club
- 39th place in the Kaier One Loft Race Final (500 km)
Breeding Pigeons
Around November 27, all our breeding pigeons and older widowers are paired up. In recent years, our breeding pigeons have already produced several useful pigeons, further improving the quality of the loft. We also breed from older racing pigeons. They have proven themselves during their racing careers, so we expect their young to also add value. Normally, we do not breed yearlings during the winter. An exception may be made for yearlings that performed exceptionally well the previous year. In principle, however, yearlings must first earn their stripes before we breed from them. Three weeks before pairing, we begin supplemental lighting for the cocks. This stimulates their mating drive and breeding readiness. Supplementary lighting is provided from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is done fully automatically using a dimming system. About ten days before pairing, the hens are given wheat germ oil mixed into their feed. This stimulates the hens and helps ensure more consistent egg-laying.
The first eggs are laid about 10 to 14 days after pairing. The pair incubates the eggs for an average of 17 days. For the top pairs, the eggs are removed immediately after the second egg is laid and placed under foster pairs. This allows the top pairs to lay eggs again after about ten days. In this way, we can raise four early young from our best pairs. During the incubation period, we switch to a lighter feed mix with a higher proportion of barley. Furthermore, fresh grit mix is provided daily in the lofts throughout the entire period the pigeons are kept together. The hens, in particular, benefit greatly from this, as the extra minerals and calcium are essential for eggshell formation.
Starting in November, we begin preparing our pigeons. We start with a visit to the veterinarian, during which all the pigeons are thoroughly examined. If necessary, they receive appropriate treatment. This year, the pigeons were treated for Trichomonas, better known as “the yellow.” This parasite can easily spread through the drinking water. That is why we pay extra attention to good hygiene. The drinking water is changed regularly, and we ensure that it is always clean and fresh. Damp grains and droppings can also create an ideal environment for the parasite to multiply. In addition, Trichomonas can be transmitted directly from parent pigeons to young pigeons via crop milk and saliva during feeding. To give our young pigeons the healthiest possible start, we therefore consider it important that all parent pigeons are free of Trichomonas.
Supplemental Lighting for the Lofts
Starting November 10, we will also begin providing supplemental lighting for three lofts:
the hens’ loft;
the yearling cocks’ loft;
the long-distance pigeons’ loft.
The supplemental lighting is fully automated thanks to a timer system. Both in the morning and in the evening, natural daylight is extended by three hours. In the morning, the lights are on from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and in the evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lofts 2 and 3, the pigeons are given the opportunity to choose a new nest. By artificially extending the days, we mimic the longer days of spring. This stimulates the pigeons’ hormonal balance and fertility, causing the hens to start laying more readily and regularly.
Care: Nutrition, Hygiene, and Vitamins
During this period, all pigeons are fed a balanced mix. In addition, grit is provided regularly, which plays an important role in digestion. The sharp particles in the grit help grind the food in the pigeon’s stomach. Since it takes about two days for these sharp edges to wear down, it is not necessary to add grit to the feed every day. Every two days is more than enough. Our pigeons are also regularly given the opportunity to take a bath. This stimulates molting and contributes to proper plumage care. We add a splash of vinegar and a tablespoon of salt to the bath water. This not only aids in plumage care but also helps prevent pests. Fourteen days before pairing, all breeding pigeons receive extra vitamins for five days. This is a general vitamin regimen containing vitamins A, B, and D. In this way, we ensure that the pigeons are in optimal health by the end of November, when pairing takes place.
Selection of Breeding Pigeons
As early as October, we carefully select our breeding pigeons. In doing so, we primarily consider their performance in previous seasons. Pedigree also plays an important role, but only if the pigeon additionally meets certain physical and conformation criteria.
Among other things, we look for:
- a strong and well-built physique;
- a compact body;
- a soft wing that is nicely proportioned to the body;
- a beautiful and lively expression in the eyes.
Ultimately, we are primarily looking for a pigeon that feels right in the hand and that is convincing in both build and appearance.
Pairing
During November, the pigeons are first paired on paper. In doing so, we pay close attention to the pedigree to avoid overly close family ties within the breeding program as much as possible. The pigeons’ conformation and physique also play an important role in selecting the pairs. Two very large or, conversely, two very small pigeons are rarely paired together. We strive for a good balance and try to combine the traits of both parent birds in a harmonious way. At the end of November, the pairs are finally brought together.
Cleaning the Pigeon Loft
Once all the races of the season are over, it’s time for a thorough cleaning of the pigeon loft. An annual, extensive cleaning is essential to support the health of both the pigeons and the caretaker. After all, a well-maintained and hygienic pigeon loft is the foundation for healthy pigeons. Regular cleaning and careful maintenance help maintain hygiene and ensure the pigeons start the new season in optimal condition.
The Racing System
Cocks
In pigeon racing with old and yearling cocks, the classic widowhood system is usually used. The cocks are separated from their mates and must motivate themselves to return quickly to their loft. It is important to motivate the cocks effectively, for example by having them train in groups or by rewarding them with a special treat when they return to their loft.
Hens
In pigeon racing with old and yearling hens, the “jealousy” method is also used. Two hens are paired with the same cock. That is, in the first round of breeding, the first hen is paired with the cock, and they raise a single brood. As soon as the young are 15–16 days old, the hen moves to the young birds’ loft with one young, while the other young stays with the cock. When the young with the cock is old enough to be weaned, the cock is paired with his “second hen” after a few days. The same system applies here as with the first hen. Afterward, the hens are placed in a “rest loft.” Upon returning from a race, they take turns visiting their partner—who remained at home—in the loft where they raised their young. However, they are given the opportunity to realize that they do not only feel affection for the same cock in the loft. Afterward, they are separated again and return to the rest loft for the rest of the week. The resting loft is often a loft with all kinds of “little niches” without nesting boxes. This is to prevent them from pairing up with each other.
Today, Johan and his sons Arne and Nick form a strong and close-knit team. Johan’s years of experience go hand in hand with the fresh ideas and new insights of the next generation. In this way, the colony continues to develop, while maintaining the strong foundation that has been built up over the years.
On behalf of the entire Team Herbots, we wish you continued success and great results in the future!
Christophe Mathues
