Herbots Championship... what a celebration!

Saturday, January 30, marked the celebration of the 3rd “Herbots Championship,” and it's safe to say that this championship has not yet reached its limits. No fewer than 433 people had registered for the banquet, and the enthusiasm with which everyone participated in the preceding reception already gave us our first “goosebumps moment.”
Jo and Miet welcomed the French-speaking, Dutch-speaking, Austrian, and Chinese enthusiasts, and then it was up to moderator Stefan to call the champions to the stage and honor them in an appropriate manner. As championships are organized for both the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking sections, the champions were divided into different groups and these groups were honored separately. You can find the photos below.
Between celebrations, attendees were able to enjoy a delicious cold/hot and dessert buffet à volonté. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed all the delicacies that were generously served. Anyone who was there will confirm that this is no exaggeration. Later in the evening, when the impressive “Herbots Championship” cake appeared, the roof of the Van der Valk Hotel in Nivelles was completely blown off. No wonder everyone was enjoying themselves with a smile from ear to ear. Conviviality was the order of the day!
The great atmosphere was further enhanced by the beautiful live music performed by a two-piece orchestra. They played the perfect mix of Dutch and French sing-alongs. 
The pigeons, which are offered for sale on the Pigeon Bids “Herbots Championship” website, were exhibited in three separate rooms. Needless to say, there was plenty of ‘judging’ and “discussing” going on. 
The highlight was, of course, the celebration of the two best lofts in the country at the 2025 Herbots Championship. The tandem Fernand Schroyen and Ivan Stockmans and Sabrina and Stephan Brugmans took home the biggest trophies. During their tribute, the national anthem was played over the loudspeakers and they received impressive applause in appreciation of their achievements. 

“Thank you to the entire Herbots team for this wonderful celebration and see you next year for sure”…these were the words of many as they said goodbye and headed home!

Thank you to everyone for participating in our championship, thank you for coming in such large numbers and indeed…see you next year!

Your Herbots team. 

Pictures champions

ATMOSPHERE PHOTOS 

Team Herbots