Combination J & K van Belzen (Arnemuiden) reigns supreme at Châteauroux

Impressive victory against 6,828 pigeons in tough interregional race

Last weekend, Châteauroux was on the programme for the pigeons from Zeeland and Brabant 2000. With a simultaneous release and a strong field of 6,828 pigeons, it promised to be a real test of strength. The top prize went convincingly to the J & K van Belzen combination, who made their mark with an impressive first place. With a strong westerly wind, they basically have no chance in Arnemuiden.

‘A victory to be proud of – this is what we do it for."

J & K van Belzen

Collaboration since 2010  based on family and passion

The J & K combination in Belzen was formed in 2010 by Joop and his brother-in-law Kees, with the support of Joop's brother Paul, who has been helping with the care for many years.

Clear specialisation: sprint, middle distance and one-day long distance

In terms of sport, the focus is on sprint, middle distance and one-day long distance flights. The lofts are designed to optimally accommodate these disciplines:

•    24 widowers divided over 2 sections for sprint/middle distance.

•    A separate section for the one-day long distance widowers.

•    Females are kept in two separate runs, again with a division between speed and one-day long distance.

This structure allows for specific training and motivation for each discipline.

Strict approach to young birds

The season starts with a team of about 80 young birds, which are raced until the end of the year. Modern systems are used for this:

•    Darkening until mid-June to influence moulting.

•    From the beginning of July, supplementary lighting is used, which ensures peak form during the later races.

•    The old hens are also darkened so that they remain usable during the late season.

"Our young guard receives a lot of attention – those who do well lay the foundation for the future.’

Proper nutrition & medical supervision

The combination swears by quality, also in terms of nutrition:

Both young and old pigeons are fed with Beyers mixtures, tailored to the phase of the season.

Before the season, the old and young pigeons are given a treatment against trichomoniasis, so that they are healthy at the start. The necessary vaccinations against paramyxovirus and paratyphoid are also administered.

A stock built with a Belgian touch

The foundation of the colony was laid with pigeons of the highest calibre. An overview of the lines used:

• Josef Goovaerts (‘De Kaasboer’)   
• Jos Maris   
• Jules Lens   
• Rudi Diels   
• Wim De Troy   
• Kenny Hollanders   
• Johan Donckers
• Marcel Lismont

These top names have contributed to a colony that now holds its own at every level.

Honours without Sunday flights

For reasons of principle, the combination does not race on Sundays. This makes winning championships difficult. After all, many races count towards the points, but they still managed to regularly achieve top 10 rankings at provincial and interregional level.

‘We aim for performance, not titles, and sometimes we win both.’

The victory at Châteauroux

The triumph at Châteauroux against a field of 6,828 pigeons is an absolute milestone for the team. The pigeon arrived in top form and provided one of the most memorable moments in the career of the J & K van Belzen team.

This victory confirms that their system works: thorough preparation, strong stock pigeons and consistent care will sooner or later lead to success even at the highest level.

Congratulations from the Herbots team.

Christophe Mathues