Top Form, Top Pigeons and Top Performances: A Flying Start for W. & F. Ebben and Combination Ebben

This spring, Will and Falco Ebben have once again underlined why they belong to the absolute elite of Dutch pigeon racing. Competing under both their own name, W. & F. Ebben, and as Combination Ebben, they delivered impressive results in the opening weeks of the 2025 season. With multiple victories, "Grootmeester" titles, and top national rankings, it’s safe to say they’ve had a dream start.

Powerful Season Opener in Étroeungt
The French race from Étroeungt (230 km) was the first real test of the season. Despite a strong northeast wind that exposed the true quality of the birds, both lofts immediately made their mark. A striking detail: the first three arrivals at both W. & F. Ebben and Combination Ebben were all descendants of the top breeder “Odar” (NL19-1666890) from G. & B. Verkerk. This performance set the tone for the rest of the early season.

Consistent Class in the Following Weeks
The high level continued in the following races from Soissons, Châlons-en-Champagne, and Reims. Some highlights:

W. & F. Ebben
(Only results per ten are listed)

• April 26 – Étroeungt, 230 km, 9,871 pigeons, 25 entered, 19 prizes
  2, 9, 41, 123, 152, 217, 262, 264, 270, 371, 424, 435, 460, 617, 691, 985
• May 3 – Soissons, 313 km, 19,280 pigeons, 25 entered, 23 prizes
  233, 263, 486, 736, 864, 1155, 1221, 1226, 1288, 1335
• May 10 – Châlons-en-Champagne, 336 km, 16,148 pigeons, 25 entered, 19 prizes
  68, 73, 99, 178, 357, 637, 789
• May 17 – Reims, 311 km, 7,484 pigeons, 24 entered, 23 prizes
  2, 4, 29, 80, 82, 106, 140, 212, 288, 318, 346, 399, 478, 484, 579, 734
• May 26 – Gien, 509 km, 2,759 pigeons, 10 entered, 6 prizes
  1, 2, 38, 49

Combination Ebben
(Only results per ten are listed)

• April 26 – Étroeungt, 232 km, 9,871 pigeons, 30 entered, 28 prizes
  4, 5, 26, 136, 159, 179, 188, 194, 195, 258, 353, 412, 415, 553, 571, 632, 733, 787, 848, 873, 878
• May 3 – Soissons, 313 km, 19,280 pigeons, 28 entered, 24 prizes
  4, 17, 22, 158, 269, 311, 387, 393, 595, 620, 869, 1146, 1158, 1275, 1700
• May 10 – Châlons-en-Champagne, 337 km, 16,148 pigeons, 29 entered, 23 prizes
  3, 45, 46, 53, 71, 195, 672, 772, 837, 1183, 1207, 1213
• May 17 – Reims, 312 km, 7,484 pigeons, 27 entered, 22 prizes
  8, 9, 16, 46, 76, 124, 181, 226, 303, 359, 369, 376, 400, 620

These performances earned them four “Grootmeester” titles within their regional federation, awarded to the fancier with the best points series. Additionally, the Ebbens have already appeared four times on Teletext—a classic icon in Dutch pigeon sport.

Outstanding Pigeons in Top Form
Several pigeons consistently returned at the top of the result lists. NL23-9147666 and NL23-9147665 (brother and sister out of Linus x Peke) delivered top rankings. Also, NL23-9147728 and NL23-9147733, full brothers from Odar paired with a linebred daughter of foundation hen Roosje, proved themselves in multiple races.

Day-Fond Debut with Double Strike in Gien
The first long middle-distance race of the season, from Gien (510 km), took place on May 26 after two days of delay due to weather conditions. Both W. & F. Ebben and Combination Ebben played key roles. At Will and Falco’s loft in Beneden-Leeuwen, two brothers — bred from Odar and a granddaughter of Roosje — arrived simultaneously. For a long time, they seemed set for 1st and 2nd NPO, but the win narrowly slipped away by just two seconds. They ended 2nd and 8th against 5,529 pigeons. In Region South, however, they secured 1st and 2nd against 2,759 pigeons. The third pigeon followed almost three minutes later — an unusually large gap at this level.

The Power Behind the Breeding Loft
Behind the success lies a strong and carefully developed breeding base. Several bloodlines play a key role:

• Linus (NL16-1310994): Sire of multiple top racers in the province, once again making his mark this season
• Odar (NL19-1666890): Source of several first prize winners in large competition in 2025
• Roosje line: Still highly influential through line breeding and thoughtful pairings
• Other key pigeons: Pandemic, Piet, Paulina, Peke

Looking Ahead
With so many highlights already in the early weeks, the bar is set high for the rest of the season. However, the foundation is rock solid: pigeons in top form, proven bloodlines, and a loft operating at full power. If conditions remain favorable, 2025 promises to be a season to remember for Will and Falco Ebben.