Top quality from Reeuwijk: Comb. van Leeuwen & Zn. shines under tough conditions

Last weekend, the first races from Bierges took place in summery, almost tropical conditions. With a north-easterly wind, the young birds were immediately put through their paces. It was precisely under these conditions that the real talents came to the fore. One name stood head and shoulders above the rest: Comb. van Leeuwen & Zn. from Reeuwijk. Reeuwijk, in South Holland, has long been known as one of the cradles of Dutch pigeon racing. With fanciers such as Willem de Bruijn and Gerard & Bas Verkerk, the village has built up an impressive reputation. In recent years, Comb. van Leeuwen & Zn. has also firmly established itself amongst these top names. This was once again convincingly confirmed during the last weekend.

Phenomenal start in the young birds’ race

In the J28 race from Bierges, 81 fanciers lined up at the start with 2,876 young birds. Comb. van Leeuwen & Zn. immediately demonstrated that their preparations had gone excellently and secured an impressive victory. The combination not only won 1st prize NL26-8103743, but also secured 2nd prize NL26-8103775. Both pigeons were ranked at the same time.  In addition, they secured placings in 17th, 19th, 21st, 29th, 39th, 42nd and 85th places. Having nine pigeons in the top hundred out of nearly three thousand entrants is a result that only the very best lofts can achieve. The winning young bird covered the distance of 147 km at a speed of 1,281.051 metres per minute, making it the fastest in the entire race.

The old birds also dominate

As if the performances among the young birds weren’t impressive enough, the team also set the tone among the old birds on the same day. In the V28 race, in which 72 fanciers entered 796 birds, another top result followed. The top pigeons finished in 1st, 3rd and 5th place, supplemented by placings in 50th, 53rd and 92nd place. Once again, the fastest pigeon in the race, NL23-9316097, was clocked at a speed of 1,281.051 metres per minute. With two victories in a single day and several early placings, Comb. van Leeuwen & Sons proved that not only is the quality at the top exceptional, but that the depth of the loft is also impressive.

Top performances built on top pedigree

The winner in the young birds category boasts an impressive pedigree. She is a full sister to “Miss May”, winner of 2nd National Ace Pigeon and 8th Olympiad Pigeon, and to “Anthony”, who was ranked 3rd National Ace Pigeon Young Middle Distance. Her sire is a direct descendant of Willem de Bruijn, whilst her dam comes from Gerard & Bas Verkerk. A combination of two absolute top lines that once again proves her exceptional class.

The winner in the old birds category also comes from proven performance lines. This cock is a cross between Van Leeuwen/Veraart’s own successful lines and a hen from Willem de Bruijn, who is also a granddaughter of the legendary “Olympic Hurricane”. Yet another example of how investing in proven quality pays off in the results.

NL26-8103743: 1st Bierges 2.876 pigeons 147km

NL26-8103775: 2e Bierges 2876 pigeons

NL23-9316097 : 1e Bierges 796 pigeons

A promising season

A single race does not tell the whole story, but such an opening performance in the young birds speaks volumes. With a total of fifteen placings in the top hundred, including two wins, two second places and several podium finishes, Comb. van Leeuwen & Sons have made a statement that the competition cannot ignore. If they can maintain this form, Evert and his family look set to play a key role in the battle for the championships in the coming weeks too.

Evert and the whole Van Leeuwen family, heartfelt congratulations from the entire Herbots team on this magnificent double victory and the very best of luck for the rest of the season!

Christophe Mathues