Marc Bollen wins 1st Nat. Bourges against 18,985 youngsters (fastest of 22,975 old birds, yearlings and youngsters)

BE25-5035707 "Genny"

1st National Bourges 18985 young birds
- fastest of 22.975 birds

Distance: 497km
Velocity: 1258,29 m/m
 

Some moments just give you goosebumps. Marc Bollen from Hasselt, well-known as a loft builder and a true friend to many fanciers, experienced the day of his life at Bourges. With a 1st National Bourges V against 18,985 young pigeons, and also the fastest overall among 22,875 birds, Marc etched his name in the history books.

Background & Experience

Marc has been active in pigeon racing for years, but only after retiring could he fully dedicate himself.
“When I was still working as a carpenter, there simply wasn’t enough time,” he explains. “Now I realize this is real top-level sport; you need to invest time every single day.”

When the bird arrived, disbelief took over:
“I saw the pigeon drop, saw Raf Herbots clock, and thought I still had 15 minutes. Just a few minutes later, my bird was there. I couldn’t believe it. Then the phone started ringing, and I didn’t even see the rest come in.”

Realizing he had a national winner was surreal:
“It just didn’t sink in. I only sent two pigeons, and my first nominated bird wins… unbelievable.”

The Winning Pigeon

This champion comes from a very good line.
“The father is 650-15, my foundation breeder, a real super pigeon that flew exceptionally well and was 24th National Ace KBDB Allround,” Marc shares. “The mother is a sister of 650-15. That bloodline keeps producing results – 650-15 is also the grandfather of the 1st National Argenton 2025 at Carlo Lenaerts’ loft.”
Louis Beutels, from Lummen, a national champion, also achieved success with pigeons from this line.
“She’s a beautiful pigeon with an exceptional eye,” Marc says proudly.

Father "Genny" and base breeder BE15-2190650 "Blauwe Flits"

System & Loft Management

Marc keeps things simple but consistent.
“The last month, the young birds really hit their form. I keep them separated, and the day before basketing, I let them fly 25 km, then they spend half a day together, then are separated again. If the weather is bad, I adapt the routine.”

Nutrition and care are key.
“They’re on ALR 7/7 from Herbovet all year. Feeding starts light early in the week with Galaxy Light, alternating with Beyers Wal Zoontjens, then builds to Galaxy Energy before basketing. I mix my grit myself and add supplements like Elite Pigeon from Herbovet only in the grit, never on the food. This system is something I’ve developed myself.”

All medical care is provided by Herbovet, from vaccinations to treatments when needed.

Marc’s loft is impressive: 50 breeding pairs, 50-60 widowers, 30 hens (15 left after the season), and about 250 youngsters, of which 80 remain.
"These two youngsters that I basketed, I wanted to test them because they came from a new breeding pair chosen by Louis Beutels, and look what that produced...".

Looking Ahead

This win fulfills a lifelong dream.
“My circle is complete,” he says. “Winning a classic like Bourges with young birds has always been the goal. Of course, we’ll keep pushing for results, but this one is truly special.”

Several promising youngsters in his loft are already showing great potential for the future, below you can find a resume of some of Marc's best performers of the past season:

BE24-5016379
1 Soissons 161d
1 Momignies 74d
4 Chimay 1.162d
5 St. Soupplets 2.437d
18 Laon 933d
30 Laon 1.816d

BE23-5008129
1 Gien 2.446d (16 Prov. 7.344d)
1 Sourdun 1.681d
9 Laon 389d
9 Chimay 253d
41 Vervins 3.863d

BE24-5016425
3 Gien 1.134d (25 Prov. 4.005d)
33 Nat. Bourges 3.990d
49 Prov. Bourges 1.766d (489 Nat. 17.163d)

BE24-5016515
1 Laon 389d (11 Midden-Limburg 3.315d)
8 Laon 419d
16 Gien 2.446d (75 Prov. 7.344d)

BE25-5015915
5 Chimay 4.011d
7 Momignies 483d
37 Momignies 1.041d
45 Laon 3.492d
111 Chimay 3.076d
164 Laon 3.072d
205 Vervins 4.334d

BE25-5035765
1 Soissons 202d
4 Laon 575d (116 Midden Limburg 3.492d)
5 Soissons 841d
5 Momignies 483d
8 Momignies 461d

BE25-5035709
1 Sourdun 156d (29 Prov. 3.299d)
3 Soissons 841d

BE25-5035739
125 Prov. St. Soupplets 7.543d
6 Soissons 841d
7 Laon 397d

Personal Touch

A win like this requires sacrifices.
“My family had to give up a lot,” Marc admits. “Vacations abroad were rare because the birds needed care every day. Luckily, I have a fantastic wife, Jenny, who’s been incredibly patient with me all these years. Without her, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

Maarten Herbots