Knops–Vanwersch (Bocholtz) shine in Section 4 with a win from Rethel against 4,514 pigeons

On Saturday, 8 June 2025, the race from Rethel was flown in Section 4 Limburg. No fewer than 4,514 pigeons appeared at the start, and it was the Knops–Vanwersch combination from Bocholtz that secured a resounding victory. Their young hen NL24-8568895, better known as ‘De 895’, convincingly took first prize.

This classy winner is a daughter of top bloodlines: her father is ‘Sky Angel’ from AndreasDrapa and her mother is ‘Sperwer’ from Gebr. Van Toor. A combination where power and speed come together. They also achieved 4th national sector 1 Rayon B with NL22-8630438 against 4362 pigeons in Chateauroux (546 km) that same weekend. This earned them the title of 1st Grand Master of the Netherlands with a 4/4 that weekend.

From family heritage to winning combination

The roots of the combination go back to 1989, when the pigeons were taken over after the death of grandfather Wiel Knops. However, in 1997 they were sold due to lack of time because of studies and family life. But the pigeon virus proved to be persistent: André decided to start again with the pigeons, and with success.

In 2021, when Uncle André Knops fell ill, his nephew Wil temporarily stepped in. That ‘temporary’ soon became full-time, and the Knops-Vanwersch combination was back. Since then, targeted investments have been made in reinforcements from top lines such as Drapa, Van Toor and Martens.

Today, the colony consists of 24 breeding pairs, housed in the uncle's lofts. In the future, this number may be reduced somewhat, although the temptation of new top pigeons is sometimes difficult to resist.

Strong foundation – Strong results

Breeding stock with top pigeons from home and abroad:

• B. Martens & Zn
• Andreas Drapa
• Gebr. Van Toor (Dennis)
• Falco Ebben
• Frans Strikker
• Hendriks-Sanders
• J&M Hameteman
• Combinatie Huisman
• J. Hendriks & Zn
• J. Deliege

Care and system: it's all about balance

Nutrition

They rely entirely on the Versele-Laga range. At the beginning of the week, on Monday and Tuesday, the pigeons are given Gerry Plus. This is then systematically built up to Champion Plus and Energy Plus, so that the energy supply is optimally tuned to the upcoming flights. After returning home, the pigeons are given Champion Plus again to help them recover properly.

Flying system

Breeding starts with pairing in January, after which the pigeons are flown in total widowhood. Until the beginning of May, the pigeons are kept in darkness to control their condition and motivation. In the late season, they switch to nest flying. Before the season, the pigeons are trained with short flights of 10 and 20 kilometres. The hens are only shown after a few flights, to ensure that their motivation peaks at the right moment.

Medical supervision

The medical approach is focused on prevention and natural recovery. They are vaccinated against paramyxovirus and pox, and a check-up is carried out by the vet before the season starts. Vitamins, amino acids and electrolytes are provided for recovery, supplemented with natural supplements from DHP, Bony Farma and Röhnfried. During the winter months, the pigeons stay indoors, with rest being the key word.

Strong performances in 2024 and 2025

Championships 2024 – SBS Team:

• 1st, 2nd and 3rd Pigeon Championship Nareis
• 1st Loft Championship Nareis
• 1st and 2nd Pigeon Championship General Old
• 2nd Loft Championship General old birds
• 2nd Pigeon Championship Sprint old birds
• 3rd Loft Championship Middle distance old birds
• 2nd and 3rd Pigeon Championship One-day long distance
• 2nd Loft Championship One-day long distance
• 3rd General champion under 650 km

Eastern South Limburg District:

• 2nd Pigeon and Loft Championship One-day Long Distance
• 3rd, 4th and 5th Pigeon Championship Nareis
• 3rd Loft Championship Nareis

Department 4 Limburg:

• 5th Loft Championship One-day Long Distance
• 9th Pigeon Championship One-Day Long Distance
• 19th Loft Championship Middle Distance

Results 2025:

• Rethel (08/06): 1–10–12–45 (14 entered / 12 prizes) – 4,514 pigeons

• Châteauroux Parc (08/06): 4–29–52–348 (4/4 prizes) – 2,302 pigeons

• Châlons-en-Champagne (27/04): 1–2–3–9–24–26 (31 entered / 18 prizes) – 903 pigeons

• Marche (30/03): 1–2–3–4–5–6–7–10 (32 entered / 26 prizes) – 1,329 pigeons

Results 2024:

• Charleville (18/08): 4–5–6–7–8–11 (54 entered / 47 prizes) – 2,620 pigeons

• Rethel (25/08): 10–12–17–27 (54 entered / 49 prizes) – 2,703 pigeons

• Châlons-en-Champagne (01/09): 4–6–13–14–16–23 (45 entered / 37 prizes) – 1,768 pigeons

Congratulations to André and Wil from the Herbots team!

Christophe Mathues