Tony Devos (Vollezele) wins 1st Provincial La Souterraine (Flemish Brabant) with yearlings

On the national race from La Souterraine last weekend, Tony Devos from Vollezele secured the 1st provincial place with yearlings in Flemish Brabant against 333 birds. His yearling hen BE24-2041611 also achieved 231st national against 5,288 yearlings.

What makes this result even more special is the story behind it.

“At the end of 2020, I was diagnosed with cancer. I seriously considered quitting the sport, but my partner convinced me to keep going and offered to help. She still supports me in the loft.”

After that, the loft was streamlined and the focus shifted to quality.

“We reduced the number of birds and now mainly work with pigeons from my good friend and mentor Youri Deblanc from Ronse. His bloodlines gave a real boost to our results.”

The winning hen BE24-2041611 is a prime example. She only raced a few times from Noyon last year and had very little experience—but she passed this tough test with flying colours. Her pedigree is impressive:

Father: 50% Deblanc

Mother: from 4th Nat Bourges x 7th Nat Montluçon

The aim is now to move gradually toward the longer distances, and the results are promising:

Top results in 2025 (Club over 400 km):

Vierzon: 4 – 6 – 9 yearlings / 4 – 5 – 8 old birds / 1 – 10 yearlings

Bourges: 2 – 9 old birds

Montoire: 6 – 9 old / 2 – 7 yearlings

Argenton: 2 old birds

La Souterraine: 1 – 2 old birds / 1 – 3 – 6 yearlings

Tony ends with a heartfelt wish:

“The pigeons are doing well at the moment. Let’s hope my health allows me to keep enjoying this wonderful sport, because in the end, that’s what really matters.”

Tony, the entire Herbots team sincerely wishes you the best in all the things to come!

Maarten Herbots