Lode Verschuere wins 1st Provincial Bourges II against 2,180 old birds

Last weekend in Anzegem, West Flanders, we witnessed a remarkable performance: Lode Verschuere claimed 1st Provincial Bourges II against 2,180 old birds. A strong achievement for a relatively new fancier who only recently rediscovered his passion for racing pigeons.

From finches to top pigeons

Lode Verschuere (55) is an independent horticulturist. He first got in touch with pigeon racing through his brother at a young age, but it wasn’t until 2021 that he started keeping pigeons himself again. In the meantime, he focused on tropical birds, keeping up to 40 pairs of zebra finches, which he exhibited at specialist bird shows across the country.

The major turning point came in 2021: the finches were replaced by pigeons when Pierre Vercamst delivered 20 youngsters from his third round. These were housed in a converted aviary. Later that autumn, several breeding pigeons from Vercamst were added, including the parents of the future Bourges winner. In 2022, Lode entered the sport with young birds for the first time.

In the meantime, he gradually expanded his colony with pigeons from Thierry Vercruysse, Frans Norga, and Murez-Marichal, while maintaining the strong base built on the Vercamst lines. This combination now forms the solid backbone of his loft.

“166”: Small in size, big in results

The winning bird is BE23-3092166, a small blue cock from the third round of 2023. As a yearling in 2024, he already raced two national races, and this season he moved to the old bird loft. After three Clermont races, Vierzon and Limoges, he hit the top: 1st Provincial Bourges II against 2,180 old birds, 1st Nat.Z Bourges against 1.730 old birds and 1st in the club on Bourges (474 b.). He also finished 28th National against 13,580 old birds. This was not his first high-level performance either, as he had already achieved a 30th place on Vierzon against 1,164 pigeons.

His brother, BE22-3018537, was clocked 29 minutes later and still achieved a fine 35th club position. Their mother, BE20-3010087 (Vercamst origin), is proving to be a strong foundation hen. Her bloodline goes back to a daughter of the 65th National Jarnac (4,559 b.) and is related to Limoges winners (Florizoone) and finalists in the Pattaya One Million Dollar Race.

Total widowhood and natural rhythm

Lode races both old birds and yearlings on total widowhood. During the winter, the pigeons are allowed outside when the weather permits. In early February, they are paired, raise one youngster, and continue sitting. During this phase, males and females are let out alternately. From the greater middle distance races on, the birds are raced every two weeks. In between, the hens fly Clermont (180 km).

Feeding, care, and medical plan

From the middle-distance races onwards, Lode follows the feeding program of Aïdi. In addition, all birds receive a standard mix (maize, peas, barley), acidified drinking water, and grit/minerals (Vanrobaeys). Fertibol (Comed) is added over the feed during the breeding season. Medically, the birds are vaccinated against paramyxo/rota and treated against pox, with a tricho treatment during the breeding period.

Breeding and vision

The breeding team consists of 20 pairs producing about 100 youngsters. Breeding starts around December 15, with the second round of eggs placed under the racers. A few youngsters are also bred from the best racers. Each year, the two best yearlings move to the breeding loft. Today, Lode’s breeding base includes pigeons from Vercamst, Vercruysse, Norga, and Murez-Marichal.

Ambition and outlook

This win gives Lode an extra boost of motivation. He will continue to focus on greater middle-distance races and test a few birds on the long distance. The victory at Bourges is a strong encouragement to keep building and improving his colony – and based on this result, he is well on his way.

Maarten Herbots