Herbots | Tulle: Yearlings

Kurt and his motivating enthusiasm have once again triumphed in a national race and, for those who love statistics, this is already the 13th national victory that Kurt can proudly add to his impressive record. To clarify, Kurt races under the name Team Platteeuw in Rumbeke and also under the name Team Platteeuw/Z in Zulzeke (Kluisbergen). It is at the latter location that Kurt, together with his caretaker Pieter-Jan, achieved the national victory from Tulle. The name “Pieter-Jan” may sound familiar. Indeed, “Pieter-Jan” is not only the caretaker’s first name, but also the name of a blue cock that impressed everyone last season by winning 1st and 2nd National within just two weeks. In summary, Kurt and caretaker Pieter-Jan have already secured two national victories in Zulzeke, while Kurt has achieved eleven national victories in Rumbeke. A truly remarkable achievement. Few fanciers speak about pigeon racing with as much enthusiasm, passion and determination as Kurt. He is a man with a clear goal, and his West Flemish mentality drives him every day to achieve it. Kurt explains: “I am probably the only official ‘pigeon farmer’ in Belgium. A few years ago, I purchased a farm located in a lower area where livestock farming had previously been carried out. As a result, all the permits required to comply with nitrogen regulations were already in place, making this probably the only location in Belgium where a large number of pigeons may legally be housed. Even the organization of an OLR race is officially permitted here.”

In the Shadow of “Korte Keer”

Anyone who has ever followed the route of the famous cycling monument, the Tour of Flanders, and sees a flock of pigeons flying near the well-known climb “Korte Keer” can be certain that they belong to Team Platteeuw/Z. As already mentioned, Pieter-Jan is responsible for the daily care of the pigeons. During his youth, he learned the art of pigeon racing from his parents in Ruiselede, but today he is confronted with a completely different approach from the traditional pigeon racing system he grew up with. The Platteeuw system can best be described as “total widowhood, basket them as often as possible, let them race, and those that cannot keep up will naturally eliminate themselves.” For Pieter-Jan, this was a real discovery, but when you can boast two national victories within such a short period, you can already speak of considerable experience.

“Lily”

The national winner from Tulle surprised her owner with her arrival. Pieter-Jan was not expecting pigeons and was not even near the lofts when she registered. “I was sitting on the terrace of the house, which is located dozens of metres further away and at a higher elevation. When I saw a pigeon diving towards the Sputnik trap, I sprinted across the field to the lofts instead of taking the road. I could hardly believe that we already had a Tulle pigeon on the arrivals list. From that moment on, all we could do was keep our fingers crossed that no faster pigeons would be clocked.” When asked whether “Lily” was especially motivated for any particular reason, Pieter-Jan could not immediately provide an answer. Due to the somewhat chaotic system, it is difficult to observe every pigeon individually. However, all of the pigeons had completed a speed race on the day of basketing. This was ideal for giving the entire team confidence and allowing them to race home competitively once more. The care and management in both Rumbeke and Zulzeke are very similar. The feed is mixed by Van Robaeys, and the “Platteeuw Special 523” mixture is served daily. Another of Kurt’s slogans is “vaccination instead of medication,” although many supplements are used, including Recharge and Belgasol (De Weerd), Recupfast (HP Pigeon) and Beovit. In addition, a new range of supplements from Van Robaeys is currently being tested and, as has been the case for many years, all racers are treated weekly with “yellow drops” and Sliepzand.

Kurt, who was in Budapest at the time of this victory, unfortunately could not experience it live. However, judging by the video on social media, that certainly did not prevent him from celebrating the achievement. And rightly so!

Kurt and Pieter-Jan, on behalf of the entire Herbots team, congratulations on this magnificent result and best of luck towards your next national victory!