It is, and always will be, a classic to win: Bourges National for young pigeons. This year, that honour went to Herbots Brothers from Halle-Booienhoven.

A world-renowned name in international pigeon racing, Herbots is a top loft that more than deserves victories like this. It is a first-class team in which loft manager Geoffrey Janssens is perfectly supported by Bjorn Knaepen, Kevin Roosen and Jeroen Stroobants. Together with Jo, Raf and Miet Herbots, they set the course and define the strategy that drives the team forward. And of course, we must not forget Jo Vanhaelst (Miet’s husband). Reliable in every position, he is the kind of person every football manager would want in their team. The strategy is analysed week after week. Although unexpected circumstances sometimes force changes to the original planning, the care and management of the pigeons always follow a consistent guiding principle. This winter, we will certainly publish a more comprehensive report. Last weekend, Team Herbots not only won 1st National against 16,705 young pigeons (also the fastest of 31,091 pigeons), but their blue yearling hen “Fluppa” (BE25-2091066) was also crowned Belgium’s Best Yearling Pigeon over seven National Great Middle Distance races!

This one feels truly special.

Jo Herbots begins his story: “Bourges for young pigeons… indeed, as you say, it is a classic that every fancier would love to have on their list of achievements. Until the very last moment, we were still unsure whether or not to send our young pigeons. But as Bourges approached, the excitement grew, and after discussing it as a team, we decided to basket 84 young pigeons. Our youngsters already had the necessary experience, and the cocks and hens had been separated for about two weeks, so motivation was exactly where we wanted it to be. On arrival day, we were waiting in great anticipation. Everyone in Belgium knew the speed of the first Poussart pigeon and had already calculated countless times what time they would need to clock in to beat it. According to our calculations, we had to clock no later than 1:59 p.m. To be honest, we expected a yearling or an old pigeon to arrive first, but suddenly a young pigeon appeared, heading straight for the landing board. Not a second was lost. The clock showed 1:57 p.m. Everyone immediately thought it must be a late arrival from Soissons. But no… our name appeared at the top of the Bourges provisional result, and we never gave up that position. I can assure you… deep down, you secretly pinch yourself a few times just to make sure you’re not dreaming. Even though this is our seventh National victory, this one is truly special. Winning Bourges National for young pigeons, and on top of that recording the fastest pigeon of the entire Bourges convoy, is something extraordinary. Our thoughts immediately went to my late father, Filip. He would have been so incredibly proud. Finding a name for the winner was easy. It also happened to be my son Julian’s birthday, so from now on this hen will be known as “Juliana 2.0.”

For the record

The National winner carries ring number BE26-2030153. She is a daughter of the foundation breeder “Simon Bliksem” (winner of 9 first prizes and an outstanding stock cock), paired to a daughter of “Bachelor” (1st National Châteauroux). Interestingly, “Bachelor” was also the grandsire of the 1st National Bourges Young Birds winner at Davy Tournelle’s loft in 2025. This means he has now been the grandsire of the National Bourges Young Birds winner for two consecutive years.

“Juliana 2.0” is one of the very few young pigeons that is still carrying a full wing. She actually has eleven primary flight feathers on each wing.

Naturally, the entire team of young pigeons was motivated on basketing day. From 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., the sliding door was opened and dark nesting corners were created. Every youngster joined in the excitement—except “Juliana 2.0”. She stayed quietly on her perch, watching the rest of the “party crowd” from a distance. Geoffrey explains: “She has been sitting on that perch all her life. Even when the other pigeons were enjoying the sunshine in the adjoining aviary, she would remain on her perch. I’ve never even seen her showing any interest in a cock.”

The medical supervision is in the hands of Raf and Kobe Herbots. At the start of the season, all young pigeons were vaccinated against Rotavirus, followed two weeks later by Herpes, another two weeks later by Paratyphoid, and two weeks after that against Pigeon Pox.

A preventive treatment against ornithosis was given about three weeks ago, while trichomoniasis is controlled by administering yellow drops directly into the beak every week.

Like many lofts, the team in Halle-Booienhoven has also experienced some cases of “one-eye cold”. Geoffrey says: “Fortunately, it hasn’t been too severe this year. We had a slight flare-up around the beginning of May and another minor outbreak about two weeks before Toury. We’re keeping our fingers crossed and hoping it stays that way.”

As for feeding, from weaning until the first sprint races, the youngsters receive a young bird mixture. Once the club race programme is completed, they switch to a mix consisting of 50% Sport and 50% Energy. “I like to feed them heavily,” Geoffrey says with a smile.

The young pigeons are trained from 30 km at least twice a week. Jo Vanhaelst is responsible for taking them to the release point. On Tuesdays, they are released basket by basket with intervals of about three minutes. On Wednesdays, the entire team is released together. Upon returning home, the cocks and hens are allowed a very brief reunion.

Next weekend, the team is scheduled to race from Soissons, followed—under normal circumstances—by the National race from Argenton. Only “Juliana 2.0” will not be taking part. She has already received her ticket to the breeding loft.

"Juliana 2.0"
BE26-2030153
1st National Bourges 16,705 youngbirds
Fastest of 31,091b.

Distance: 482km
Velocity: 1,245.60 m/m

Stefan Mertens