B25-2089783
1st National Bourges 21,502 youngbirds - fastest of 34,429b.

Distance: 491km
Velocity: 1,485.04 m/m

“I have a dream”… is the title of the legendary speech delivered by Martin Luther King on August 28, 1963, in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
“I have a dream”… these could just as well have been the words of Davy Tournelle – who, together with his Chinese partner Hua Feng, races pigeons in Rummen.
Despite his young age, Davy has already survived many of the “battles” that pigeon racing entails. Battles from which many lessons have been learned—battles that have at times knocked him out cold, but also gave him the motivation to push himself to the limit.
“I have a dream”… Nine national victories have already been recorded, but never a national win with the young birds. That dream was fulfilled this past weekend, thanks to the top performance of the blue hen “B25-2089783”, who, just hours after her feat, was renamed “My Dream”.

“My Dream”

“My Dream” is truly a dream pigeon in the hand. Of medium build but with a very strong frame and an expression that radiates pure character. With an average speed of 1,485 m/min, she was not only the winner in her category against 21,502 young pigeons, but also the fastest overall of all 34,429 Bourges racers.
“My Dream” was clearly well motivated… what exactly was going on remains unclear even to her owners, but since her return from Bourges, she’s been hiding in a dark corner of the loft. That’s where you’d always find her.
Before Bourges, the partners were paired for the first time at basketing. They were allowed to have a small “party” together for about four hours. It may have been during this “party” that “My Dream” found her motivation.

U-shaped loft

The young pigeons don’t live in a traditional loft but in a U-shaped setup – a combination of wooden garden lofts and aviaries with one central entrance.

The season began with 350 young pigeons, and by the time the last bird was basketed for Bourges, the PAS system registered 271 birds. In my opinion, Davy hasn’t suffered major losses. “But,” Davy replies, “Bourges is their first mass liberation, and it’s always a bit nerve-wracking to wait for the birds to return.”

By Monday, 200 birds had returned, and Davy hoped for about 20 more latecomers, which would make the losses “acceptable.” Speaking of latecomers – Davy shares the same view as Jelle Roziers (whom he sincerely thanks for all his support and advice): “Latecomers always deserve respect. They’re pigeons that show true character by not giving up.”

Sliding door system

From the third week of May, the training flights for the young birds begin. In small steps: 1, 2, 2, 4, 7, 7, 15, 21, 21, followed by 5 rounds of 32 km.
In early July, they progress to Momignies, then Soissons, and finally middle-distance races. The weather is carefully monitored—no pigeons are basketed when temperatures exceed 30°C.
The young pigeons are raced using the sliding door system, and in the last two weeks before Bourges, they were trained on 115 km on Mondays and 80 km on Wednesdays. Weekends were for middle-distance races, and Tuesdays included a 44 km toss with their own vehicle.
As for feed, they use Anthoons mixtures: initially a breeding mix, and during the racing season, a combination of “Super Recup”, “Sport Select”, and “High Tech”. In the final days, “Energy” by Versele-Laga is added to the feed.
Medically, the vet is consulted regularly. Davy works with Raf Herbots, Vincent Schroeder, and Henk Deweerd. The young birds are vaccinated against Rota/paramyxo (twice), pox, and paratyphoid.
During the season, a “tricho tablet” is given every three weeks, and in the week without tablets, “yellow drops” are added to the feed.

Also 1st Provincial and 2nd National with old birds

To top off the Bourges weekend, “Young Lady” (B22-2103800) won 1st provincial and 2nd national Bourges against 5,261 old birds.

Best of luck from the entire Herbots team,
Stefan Mertens

Stefan Mertens