Jan Mees from Heverlee: a colony of exceptional class

Heverlee, in the province of Brabant near Leuven, is home to Jan Mees. For decades, he has pursued the sport of pigeon racing with heart and soul, harboring a special passion for sprint races. Although Jan himself prefers to stay out of the spotlight, we believe his pigeons more than deserve the attention. As Jan always says: it is not he, but his pigeons, that deliver the performances.

In 2026, the pigeons faced a new challenge. Because racing was no longer permitted from the club where Jan had basketed his birds for years, he was forced to switch to a different racing association. A change that might take some getting used to for many—but not for these top-class birds from Heverlee!

After all, talent cannot be held back by change. The pigeons have continued their winning streak undeterred, proving their class as if nothing had changed at all. A new environment, a new racing association—yet the same rock-solid performances!

And then there is the new sensation: the “870”! A direct son of none other than “Igor,” he may well be the natural successor to his famous father.

With his recent performances, this young ace has shown he is truly cut from the right cloth—securing two first-place finishes from Soissons, plus an impressive 3rd-place finish in the racing association from Momignies!

These results are not only impressive; they also inspire dreams about what the future might hold. Could the “870” take up the mantle from “Igor” and become the next superstar in the loft? One thing is certain: the successor has made their presence known in no uncertain terms!

It really can be that simple…

Take a look at these truly impressive results, which immediately place these talents from Heverlee right at the very forefront of the competition!

Momignies 3,928 pigeons: 5-21-26-55-58-74-128-136 
Momignies 2,364 old pigeons: 3-4-25-27-30-31-69-76-90-96-98 
Momignies 1,409 yearlings: 1-17-37-… 
Momignies 674 yearlings: 2-8-19-22-… 
Soissons 2,170 old pigeons: 5-8-17-22-23-24-28-29-34-45-49-52-55-60-64-95-98-… 
Soissons 1,250 yearlings: 6-13-18-32-37-40-60-… 
Soissons 1,724 old pigeons: 3-4-16-… 
Soissons 1,158 yearlings: 1-…. 
Soissons 922 old birds: 2-6-7-8-46-61-… 
Soissons 597 old birds: 2-3-8-11-16-23-… 
Soissons 304 young birds: 1, 4, 10, … 
Angerville 2,187 old birds: 17, 34, 70 (only 3 pigeons in the basket) 
Toury 516 old birds: 8, 15, … (only 3 pigeons in the basket)

The ‘Igor’ Family

And what achievements they are! Thanks to the fantastic ‘Igor’ family, Jan possesses an impressive colony of ace pigeons. Furthermore, the future appears secure, with ‘Rune’ and ‘Lenn’ poised to follow in the footsteps of the ‘three kings’: ‘Igor’, ‘Emile’, and ‘Jules’. Jan was well aware that this would be no easy task; typically, moving three national ace pigeons to the breeding loft might lead to a decline in performance within the racing loft. Yet, in Jan’s case, that has proven to be far from the truth!

In 2025, he secured no fewer than 55 outright first-place finishes—further proof that his colony remains among the absolute best. An achievement to be exceptionally proud of!

An online auction is currently underway, featuring a collection of highly promising pigeons. By December, these birds will be perfectly prepared to begin a successful breeding career with their new owners.

Jan wishes all buyers the best of luck and hopes they, too, will achieve great results with these pigeons. Recent reports of success from England and Germany further reinforce his confidence that his pigeons continue to demonstrate their quality on an international stage.

And it gets even better: these successes are also being achieved with the same family of pigeons. Races covering 300 to 350 kilometers pose absolutely no challenge for them—for instance, his 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes against a field of 1,607 pigeons is, without a doubt, a truly remarkable result!

In doing so, Jan Mees proves that quality is not limited to a single racing distance. With a strong bloodline, an impressive list of honors, and a promising next generation, his loft remains a force to be reckoned with—both in sprint and middle-distance racing.

Best results 2025

55 x 1st prize without doubles

Momignies 430 yearlings: 1,3,3,3,6,7,8,8,10,14,15,22,23,25,32,… 18/22 
Momignies 667 youngsters: 1,2,3,4,7,8,… 11/18 
Laon 487 old and yearlings: 1,1,3,4,5,6,6,8,8,10,11,13,14,14,16,17,26,35,… 24/27 
Laon 219 old and yearlings: 1,2,3,4,11,… 6/8 
Soissons 439 old and yearlings: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,16,19,… 22/26
Soissons 338 old and yearlings: 2,2,4,5,5,8,15,… 9/10
Soissons 115 old and yearlings: 1,2,3,4,8,… 7/7
Soissons 605 young: 4,5,6,9,… 7/16
St.Soupplets 352 old and yearlings: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,89,10,11,12,12,14,15,15,17,18,20,21,23,… 23/24
St.Soupplets 143 old and yearlings: 1,2,2,9,… 6/6St.
Soupplets 151 old and yearlings: 1,2,3,4,… 6/6
Toury 969 old and yearlings: 1,14,25,33,40,64,66,… 8/11
Toury 335 old and yearlings: 3,4,6,18,19,21,… 9/13
Toury 354 old and yearlings: 2,5,7,17,… 7/12
Lorris 1,607 old and yearlings: 1,2,3,… 7/12
Lorris 1,048 old and yearlings: 4,5,8,10,57,87,… 8/12

Overview of other championships in 2021-2024

1st World Best Pigeon Ace Pigeon Sprint 2021
1st Superstar Sprint Golden Pigeon 2022
2nd National Ace Pigeon sprint old birds KBDB 2021
7th National Champion sprint old KBDB 2021
8th National Champion sprint old KBDB 2022
11th Nat Champion sprint old / yls KBDB 2024
11th Nat Ace sprint KBDB 2023
13th National Ace pigeon sprint old birds KBDB 2022
14th National Ace Pigeon sprint yearlings KBDB 2021
15th Nat Champion sprint old / yls KBDB 2023
20th National Ace pigeon sprint old birds KBDB 2021
22nd National Ace pigeon sprint old birds KBDB 2022
24th National Ace pigeon sprint old birds KBDB 2024
29th National Ace pigeon sprint old birds KBDB 2022
37th National Ace middle distance old birds KBDB 2024

New top results

In Ireland, pigeons from the Jan Mees bloodline were used, and a daughter of “Jules” (a brother of “Igor”) bred a young bird that achieved the following results:

2nd Open NIPA, 4,424 birds
11th Open NIPA, 6,002 birds
26th Open NIPA, 2,631 birds.

For Alfie Hawthorn from Newcastle (UK), several pigeons have distinguished themselves in a very short period. The pigeon “Super Jan” (NEHU 24X2253) is a prime example of this

Other pigeons also secured the following prizes in the UK: 
1 + 2 Fed. 1.018p UK 
1 Fed 320p ( 39 WDA National 1.808p )
1 Fed 130p UK ( 21 WDA National 1.808p )
9 UNC National 9.600 youngsters
20 WDA National 1.808 youngsters 

What a breeding pair of superstars: “Igor” – “Emile” – “Jules”

Sometimes, in a breeding loft, you discover a pair that immediately strikes you as being of exceptional class—a pair that impresses not just on paper, but, more importantly, through what it actually produces.

Jan himself is not one to boast or show off his successes. Yet, when recognition is due, it should be given. We are happy to do so on his behalf: the “Igor” pair is a breeding couple of the absolute highest caliber. It’s as simple as that!

The foundation of this extraordinary pair is the “889/15,” a pigeon obtained directly from Roger Engelen. This cock is a son of none other than the “Kleine Blauwe,” 12th National Ace Pigeon KBDB 2009—a pedigree that immediately suggests a convergence of quality and class.

On the dam’s side, we find “Elfke,” a particularly interesting cross featuring bloodlines from Maurits Haesendonckx, Deno-Herbots, and Irene Beelen—an ancestry that promises great things.

Ultimately, however, it is not just the names on paper that count; it is the offspring that make the difference. And this is precisely where this pair proves its exceptional value!

Together, they have produced no fewer than three superstars for the racing loft, while also contributing a top-tier breeder to the breeding loft.

These are no longer mere coincidences; they are achievements that speak volumes. When a single pair is capable of passing on such a high level of quality, you know you have something truly special on your hands. The “Igor” pair: proven class, exceptional breeding ability, and a golden combination in the breeding loft. Sometimes, the offspring speak louder than a thousand words!

BE 19-2138114 “Igor” Cock
1st World Best Pigeon Ace Pigeon Speed ​​2021
2nd National Ace Pigeon Speed ​​old KBDB 2021

Won 1 Soissons 1,941p – 1 Nanteuil 904p – 1 Soissons 835p – 1 Nanteuil 817p – 1 Soissons 601p – 1 Soissons 529p – 1 Soissons 341p – 2 Nanteuil 416p - …

BE 20-2054652 “Jules”
11th National Ace Pigeon speed old birds KBDB 2023
20th National Ace Pigeon speed old birds KBDB 2021
29th National Ace Pigeon speed old birds KBDB 2022

Won 8 clear first prizes and a total of 18 x per 100

1 Soissons 990p – 1 Soissons 786p – 1 Momignies 703p – 1 Soissons 698p
1 Nanteuil 342p – 1 Nanteuil 285p – 1 Soissons 248p – 1 Soissons 170p
2 Nanteuil 387p – 2 Momignies 356p – 3 Nanteuil 764p – 3 Soissons 601p 
4 Nanteuil 817p – 4 Soissons 457p – 4 Soissons 403p – 5 Nanteuil 1,524p
5 Soissons 804p – 8 Momignies 859p

BE 20-2054653 “Emile”
13th National Ace Pigeon speed old birds KBDB 2022
Won 4 clear first prizes and 11 x per 100 

Won 1 Soissons 996p – 1 Nanteuil 435p – 1 Nanteuil 285p – 1 Soissons 145p
2 Soissons 1,158p – 2 Soissons 758p – 2 Soissons 402p – 2 Nanteuil 206p
3 Nanteuil 1,524p – 4 Soissons 804p – 5 Soissons 526p – 7 Soissons 601p - …

The best sister of "Igor" is BE 17-2087373 "Céleste".

She bred several 1st prize winners in the world. She is already from 2017 but still in great condition.

She is the mother of "225/20" 4 x 1st. 
She is the mother of "650/20" 5 x 1st. 
She is the mother of "421/21" 4 x 1st. 
She is the mother of "277/22" 3 x 1st. 
She is the mother of "834/24" 6 x 1st – 1st Soissons 439 p. – 1st St. Soupplets 143 p. – 1st Soissons 115 p. – 4th Momignies 591 p. 
She is the mother of "867/24" 5 x 2nd and 3 x 3rd. 
She is the grandmother of "237/22" 4 x 1st

Magnificent gems in this top-tier auction

In our current top-tier auction, we are offering a series of absolute gems, sourced directly from the renowned “Igor” bloodline. These pigeons perfectly embody the class, quality, and exceptional genetic value for which this famous strain is known.

In close consultation with Jan, a deliberate decision was made to lean further into line-breeding (breeding within the family). This was a well-considered choice with a clear objective: to better assist fanciers in strengthening their own lofts, while simultaneously preserving the precious strain and bloodline of this extraordinary family of pigeons.

After all, when a bloodline proves its worth time and time again, you certainly don’t want it to be lost. On the contrary, you want to cherish this proven quality, continue to develop it, and pass it on to the next generation of fanciers.

And that is precisely what makes this selection so compelling!

Take a look at these top-class pigeons for yourself. Their pedigrees speak for themselves, the bloodlines are exceptionally interesting, and the quality is truly undeniable.

This is a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of the famous “Igor” line and use this valuable foundation to build your own success.

Proven class, purposeful line-breeding, and a bloodline that deserves to be carried forward—that is the strength of this auction!