Rudy and Stijn Fosselle (Voorde) 49 first prizes in 2025
10 Apr 2026
Voorde: Seasoned sprint racer Rudi Fosselle… he gets goosebumps when he sees the pigeons from Quiévrain passing by, but his adrenaline really shoots up when the pigeons from Noyon are expected. Living in South-East Flanders, he competes at one of the shortest distances in “Flanders,” which is about 155 km. Considering that Rudi’s pigeons are released together with those from the province of Antwerp, it’s clear that the Fosselle pigeons—just like cyclists in a mass sprint—must be tough competitors and not get “misled” by the crowd.
Rudi, 66 years young, lean in build, has been working as a floor layer all his life. For several years now he has been saying that he will start working less, but we’ll only believe it when he actually hangs up his work clothes. The future of the business is secured, as his son Stijn, just like his father, has the craftsmanship and continues the business with passion.
Always in search of the very best
Since 1985, Rudi has been living in Voorde (a sub-municipality of the better-known Ninove), and pigeon fanciers in the region have certainly noticed, because in his very first season (only young pigeons), 19 wins from Quiévrain (50 km) were nailed to the proverbial ceiling. Just one season later, the yearlings and young pigeons won 39 first prizes. They call this “coming in through the front gate,” and in the meantime, Rudi has seen his name appear at the top of race results more than 1,000 times. The past 2025 season was once again one to frame. No fewer than 49 first prizes were added to his already impressive record. When asked which pigeons he used to achieve these outstanding results, we received a very detailed answer. Rudi: “All my life, I have had a weakness for good pigeons, or rather for strong breeding lines. I find it fascinating that some breeding lines can be so dominant, and then as a fancier, it becomes an art to introduce such a line efficiently into your own loft—and that doesn’t always go as planned. I am convinced that nobody has it all figured out and that everyone is constantly searching to strengthen their colony. And sometimes, a person needs a bit of luck in their pigeon racing career, and I had that luck when I got an 8-day-old youngster from Albert Jolie out of his ‘Beer’. It turned out to be a cock and was renamed “Geschelpten Bol.” “Geschelpten Bol” developed into a true foundation breeder and produced several world-class first-prize winners. But as a fancier, I felt that this breeding line could use reinforcement, and in 1994 I stood at the front door of Gaby Vandenabeele in Dentergem. When I drove back home, there were two sons of his “Wittenbuik” in my basket. A golden move, because from this line came birds such as “Abdou” (18x 1st), “Het Mooi” (11x 1st), “James Bond” (9x 1st), and others.
In 2004, I made another golden move with the purchase of breeders (10 pairs) from Frank Saelens. One of those breeders was the phenomenal racer and perhaps even better breeder “Den 1000.” Paired with “Het Moederke,” they became the parents of a series of top racers. One of their better sons was “De Stijn,” who in turn became the father of “De Jonge Stijn” (15x 1st prize and 3rd, 6th, and 9th Provincial Ace Pigeon KBDB sprint East Flanders). “De Jonge Stijn” was given a breeding box in the breeding loft and passes on his “winning genes” perfectly As we wrote in the introduction, Rudi is a seasoned fancier, and this is further emphasized by the fact that as early as 2017 he purchased pigeons from the Vandenbrande Brothers (Berlaar). Rudi explains: “The pigeons of the Vandenbrande Brothers were real top performers. My ‘Blue Diamond’ x ‘Grijs Kadoken’ produced four generations of first-prize winners. ‘Grijs Kadoken’ was bred in the lofts of Cyriel and Carl Lambrechts. I bought several pigeons there and received one for free… you guessed it… ‘Grijs Kadoken’. But I didn’t invest only in pure sprint pigeons—no… speed can always use some endurance, and in 2020 I bought three grandchildren from the foundation pair of the late Roger Buvens (Loksbergen). That same year, a few pigeons were exchanged with André Vanhoutte, and one of them, namely ‘Dolce Vita,’ was paired with ‘The Beast’ (Maes Anthony), forming a top pair. When I saw that, I naturally headed towards Anthony, and two grandchildren of ‘SeroSero’ went with me to Voorde. Later, two more were added. Other successful investments were made with Albert Derwa (Herent), and a hen from Geert Dhaenens (Oudenaarde) became the grandmother of ‘Nieuwe Mattheo’ (6x 1st). In 2023, I obtained a hen from Chris Debacker (Beveren-Leie), and she became the mother of my top pigeon ‘De Provinciaal’. That same year, I also visited Wilfried Vandemaele (Heule – 1st Overall Champion KBDB 2025), and more recently I invested in four grandchildren of ‘Superstar 645’ from Gommaire Verbruggen.
Schlechtriem
Rudi continues: “I call my system the ‘Schlechtriem system.’ This system is a total widowhood system. It must have been about 25 years ago when I visited the Schlechtriem Brothers (Kerkrade) and saw their motivation system there. I photographed and filmed the nest boxes of the widowers, and my father then built identical boxes for me. The principle is that there are various ways to motivate both the cocks and the hens. The boxes can be set in all kinds of positions. It already starts with the fact that the boxes are much lower than an average nest box. In addition, all boxes have removable partitions, and a long plank can be mounted in front of the boxes. So I can close all the boxes and create one large walking plank. If you do that, you as a fancier need to be present to separate the necessary “fighters.” Another motivation trick is that I lock all the cocks in their boxes, mount the large walking plank in front of them, and then let the hens in, who parade along the plank. One week the hens are not allowed with the cocks, but the following week they are—variation in motivation is never a bad thing.” After returning from a race, the pairs stay together for about two hours. In total, I have 20 pairs (old birds and yearlings) that are raced according to this system.
During the racing season
As preparation for the season, the racing pigeons are allowed to raise a pair of youngsters. They are paired in such a way that their youngsters are the same age as the second round of my breeders. During the racing season, all pigeons train only in the evening. Since I leave for the construction site very early in the morning, there is no other option. At 6 PM, the cocks train for an hour, and afterwards it is the hens’ turn to cut through the sky. All pigeons train smoothly for an hour, and I don’t need a flag for that. Upon returning from a race (Sunday), they are given full portions of Sport Light Beyers. Since they eat their fill on Sunday, Monday is a diet day, and they are not fed the following morning (Monday). In the evening, Casaert mix (Van Robaeys) is on the menu. After that, it is Sport Light Beyers every day. Furthermore, they receive a handful of fresh grit every day, and Thursday is tea day (Onijn). Apart from the mandatory vaccinations, the vet is only consulted to perform a droppings analysis. Despite all the checks, we administer a coxipil every three weeks. We once had a severe coccidiosis infection in our racing pigeons, and since then we take no more risks. Against trichomoniasis, I use yellow drops (via the feed), and I strongly believe in my homemade herbal mix based on white alum, onion, and garlic. If I remember, I sometimes moisten the feed with olive oil and dry it with amino acids and brewer’s yeast. Racing with young pigeons is less important to us. Lack of time is probably the reason for this. If the youngsters see the release point of Noyon about seven times in their birth year, we are already satisfied.
Some important racing pigeons.
And now, the 2026 season
All preparations for the new season have been completed. Now it’s a matter of waiting for a “good Sunday” to let the pigeons complete their first flights with confidence. Every year, it remains a wait-and-see situation, and that applies to everyone. Let’s hope that top form finds its way to our loft, because pigeons in peak condition can always give that little bit extra. Having the grit to go for that first prize—it all has to come together. We hope for the very best, and if we happen to have a less successful Sunday, at the age of 66 we’ll lose less sleep over it than we used to.
First and foremost comes the health of the family and the joy that our grandson Cyril—just one year old—brings us.
Now that is what you call success!
Stefan Mertens
RESULTS OLD AND YEARBIRDS NOYON 155 KM
5/4- 125 oude 1°.4°.11°.12°.13°.16°.18°.19°.21°.22°.23°.31°.36°.48°.57° (15/18)
163 ja. 3°.5°.6°.9°.13°.46°. (9/12)
284.O+JL 1°.5°.7°.10°.11°.16°.18°.19°.20°.25°.26°.30°.31°.33°.35°.36° (22/30)
12/4- 184.oude. 2°.4°.5°.7°.8°.10°.11°.12°.20°.23°.24°.26°.33°.35°.37° (18/20)
253.JL. 1°.2°.3°.4°.6°.13° (9/19)
433.O + JL 1°.3°.5°.6°.8°.9°.11°.12°.13°.14°.16°.17°.20°.29°.35°.35°.37°.42° (27/30)
19/4- 243.oude. 3°.4°.5°.6°.12°.13°.14°.18°.23°.24°.25° (17/20)
277.JL. 1°.8°.20°.21°.34° (9/15)
516.O+JL. 3°.4°.5°.6°.8°.14°.15°.16°.21°.28°.29°.31°.32° (28/35)
27/4- Zandb .211.oude. 2°.3°.8°.9°.16°.27° (8/10)
201.JL. 1°.4° (4/5)
400.O+JL. 2°.5°.6°.11°.12°.13°.22° (12/15)
27/4-Appelt. 167.oude 3°.7°.10°.11°.16°.22°.25°.29° (10/10)
260.JL. 3°.6°.7°.8°.11°.20°.45° (7/10)
427.O+JL. 5°.6°.12°.15°.16°.17°.18°.21°.23°.28°.39°.44° (17/20)
19/5- 139.oude.1°.2°.3°.6°.7°.9°.16° (7/8)
100.JL. 1°.2°.3°.9°.13°.15°.24° (7/8)
239.O+JL. 1°.2°.3°.4°.5°.6°.13°.16°.18°.21°.23°.24°.35°,42° (14/16)
19/5-(ander lokaal) 173.oude. 2°.6°.9°.10°.11°.19° (6/8)
279.O+JL. 2°.8°.12°.13°.18°.22°.23°.34° (8/12)
25/5- oude. 2°.3°.4°.5°.6°.7° (6/9)
JL. 1°.4°.7° (3/6)
O+JL . 1°.3°.5°.6°.7°.8°.9°.13°.17° (9/15)
1/6- 61.oude . 1°.4°.6°.7°.8°.15°.19° (10/18)
100.JL. 4°.6°.13°.29°.30°,31° (6/14)
161.O+JL. 1°.6°.9°.10°.15°.19°.20°.22°.35° (16/32)
8/6- 126.oude. 1°.11°.12°.22° (4/6)
115.JL . 2°.3°.9°.14°.21° (5/6)
230. O+JL. 1°.5°.6°.14°.15°.27°.29° (10/12)
15/6-70.oude. 2°.3° (2/6)
82.JL. 1°.5°.6° (¾)
151.O+JL. 1°.3°.5°.14°.15° (5/10)
21/6-119. oude. 1°.2°.3°.5°.6°.7°.8°.12°.13°.26°.31° (15/16)
123.JL. 1°.2°.3°.8°.9°.13°.14°.23° (8/14)
191.O+JL. 1°.2°.3°.4°.5°.8°.10°.11°.12°.14°.15°.16°.21°.22°.23°.24° (23/30)
30/6- 62.oude. 2°.3°.4°.5°.8° (8/8)
47.JL. 1°.2°.3°.4°.5° (5/6)
109.O+JL. 1°.3°.4°.5°.6°.7°.8°.9°.9°.14° (13/14)
30/6-(ander lokaal).167.oude.3°.4°.5°.6°.12°.13°.16°.22°.23°.30° (14/16)
116.JL. 2°.4°.5°.9°.11°.20° (7/8)
264.O+JL. 3°.4°.6°.7°.14°.17°.20° (14/16)
13/7-127.oude. 1°.6°.8°.9°.13°.15°.18°.20.28°.29° (15/16)
66.JL. 1°.2°.6°.8°.14°.16° (8/8)
172.O+JL. 1°.6°.8°.10°.15°.17°.21°.23°.36°.37° (15/16)
13/7-(ander lok). 69.oude. 1°.3°.4°.8°.9°.21° (7/8)
74.JL. 1°.2°.4°.8°.14° (5/6)
129.O+JL. 1°.2°.3°.5°.6°.7°.12°.14°.16° (12/14)
27/7- 53.oude. 1°.12° (3/8)
45.JL. 1°.3°.5°.8° (5/9)
83.O+JL. 1°.2°.4°.7°.13°.19°(9/17)
10/8-56.O+JL. 1°.3°.4°.6°.13° (7/8)
17/8. 50.O+JL. 2°.6°.7° (8/9)
24/8- 95.O+JL. 1°.3°.5°.6°.8°.11°.15°.16° (11/12)
Verbond. 259.O+JL. 1°.11°.14°.15°.18°.22° (11/12)
13/7-Verbond. 481.oude.1°.25.26° (7/8)
30/6- Verbond. 1268.O+JL. 2°.18°.21°.26°34°.35°.38°.46°.46°.96° (13/14)
790.JL. 2°.9°.13°.17°.23° (5/6)
27/4-Verbond. 2432.JL. 26°.64°.71°.75°.106° (7/89)
13/7- O+JL. 1°.8°.9°.36°.37°.38°.78°.84° (12/14)
386.oude. 1°.17°.18° (7/8)
592.JL. 5°.6°.20°.49° (5/6)
24/8- 252.O+JL. 1°.11°.14°.15°.18°.22° (11/12)
Results youngbirds - 7 times raced on 155km
3/8- 466 JONGEN. 2°.9°.20°.22°.30°.31°.32°.41°.44°,46° Enz....
10/8- 482 JONGEN. 8°.9°.12°.17°.20°.24°.25°.35° Enz....
17/8- 504 JONGEN.20°.25°.33°.46°.49° Enz....
24/8- 334 JONGEN.9°.16°.32°.34°42°.44° Enz....
1/9- 257 JONGEN. 2°.3°.4°.8°.9°.10°.11°.12°.14°.15°.15°.17°.18°.19°.20°.24° Enz....
7/9- 285 JONGEN. 3°.6°.7°.11°.12°.14°.15°.28°.31°33°.34°.36° Enz....
14/9- 157 JONGEN.1°.2°.3°.4°.5°.6°.7°.9°.10°.11°.13°.16°.17°.18°.19° Enz....
2025 . 49 X 1° ! Indien gerekend 1°+2°+3°+4° Komen we op 76 Overwinningen !
2024 . 44 X 1°
2023 . 32 X 1°
2022 . 33 X 1°
Er werd 15 x met de 2° prijs begonnen
