Vansteenhuyse Pascal (Lauwe): 1st Provincial Perpignan West Flanders

Every pigeon fancier around the world who hears the name Lauwe immediately thinks of the exceptionally strong André Vanbruaene pigeons. Indeed… more than one chapter of pigeon racing history was written there in Lauwe. Anyone with even a little knowledge of the history of Belgian pigeon racing knows that André (1910–1999) became famous thanks to his international Barcelona victories with “Barcelona I” in 1966 and “Barcelona II” in 1984. Not only in his own loft, but also in numerous other lofts, the Vanbruaene pigeons have truly left their mark on the sport.

In the meantime, many decades have passed, yet we can safely say that the exceptionally strong Vanbruaene strain has been preserved in all its glory, thanks to grandson Pascal Vansteenhuyse. A unique combination of “insight into Mendel’s laws” and the typically hard-working West Flemish spirit has ensured that the Vanbruaene strain has been kept as pure as possible.

When we ask Pascal about the foundation bloodlines of his loft, his answer is:

“My foundation is built around the 5 basic bloodlines of my grandfather André Vanbruaene”:

BARCELONA II 141-79

MISTRAL 382-82

WILLIAM 597-82

EMPERADOR 326-81

MARATHON 196-77

In recent years, a few necessary “reinforcements” have been introduced, and Pascal especially wants to mention his friend Jan Vandenberghe. Pascal: “I selected the mother of ‘Blitz Barcelona 106-16’ at his loft and raced her up to Pau (‘Britt’ 708-10). I always find it interesting – as in this case – to bring something originating from my own pigeons back into the family, combined with outside blood.

I also made a purchase from Jozef Devriendt, bred from his ‘moral winner’ of Barcelona 2004. At the time, fanciers still had to clock a control rubber within 15 minutes of a pigeon’s arrival. Jozef did this too late, which resulted in his Barcelona pigeon being moved back in the result based on its official clocking time and consequently losing the victory. As for that Devriendt pigeon, it was paired only once to Callebert’s ‘Trees’ (Primus Inter Pares). I then bred from the descendants myself, applying the necessary selection until I eventually arrived at ‘114-16 Toreroblood’.”

Among the current stars, the following cocks certainly deserve to be mentioned:

“Olympic Arrow” (BE16-3100077): an absolute superstar in extreme long-distance racing. He was crowned 1st Provincial Ace Pigeon Extreme Long Distance KBDB West Flanders (2020) and 6th National Ace Pigeon Extreme Long Distance KBDB (2020). Among his outstanding performances was 3rd Provincial Perpignan. His sons, such as 399-22, are now continuing his legacy with their own top performances.

“Blitz Barcelona” (BE16-3100106): Winner of the highly coveted Bronze Wing (2021) at the Bruges Barcelona Club. He achieved 2nd Provincial Barcelona (2021) under extremely tough racing conditions.

“Duke” (BE23-3011564): A half-brother to Olympic Arrow (from the same outstanding breeder, Fury 298-14). Over the past few seasons, he has achieved outstanding top prizes in tough national races, including 26th National Tulle and 17th National Brive.

“Nervus Junior” (BE15-3100722): One of the current foundation breeders in the breeding loft. He is the sire of several pigeons that achieved Top 50 National positions in 2026 in extremely demanding races such as Dax and Souillac.

And last but not least, we can also add the recent Provincial Perpignan winner “Ike” (BE23-5100586) to this impressive list. “Ike” claimed the Provincial victory at an average speed of 1,036.14 m/min. At national level, he achieved an outstanding 8th National Perpignan against 2,980 old birds.

These champions prove that the “Vanbruaene strain” is still very much alive and remains capable of producing outstanding performances. And these achievements are being recorded in the very same lofts where, many years ago, the famous champions of grandfather André Vanbruaene wrote so many memorable chapters in pigeon racing history.

The lofts are situated above the furniture store, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and which Pascal has been managing for no fewer than 38 years. It is always a pleasure to spend time at 36 Spoorwegstraat in Lauwe, a special place where pigeon racing history and today’s top performances come together in perfect harmony.

We wish Pascal continued success.

Stefan Mertens