From childhood dream to global success: Pigeon racing’s soaring evolution

Brussels, Belgium: In the quaint hamlets of Belgium, where the tradition of pigeon racing dates back two centuries, a childhood dream has turned into a global phenomenon.

At the age of 12, Jelle Roziers boldly declared his ambition to be a “professional pigeon guy,” a dream that seemed whimsical at the time.

Fast forward to the present, and Roziers, now 39, is one of many professional fanciers who have turned pigeon racing into a full-time career.

The transformation of pigeon racing into a lucrative pursuit can be attributed to a confluence of factors, with online auctions playing a pivotal role.

Traditionally a niche sport with limited financial prospects, the rise of platforms like PIPA (Pigeon Paradise) has opened up a global marketplace for prized homing pigeons.

The record-breaking sale of New Kim for €1.6 million in 2020 stands as a testament to the newfound wealth in the world of pigeon racing.

For Roziers, the journey from a childhood aspiration to a professional reality began in 2011 when he decided to devote himself entirely to breeding, training, and racing homing pigeons.

His daily routine, starting at the crack of dawn, involves caring for around 400 birds, including Seven Junior, a top breeder with a prestigious pedigree.

The demands of the job are relentless, with almost constant attention required during the peak racing season.

The racing season, a spectacle that unfolds between May and September, sees birds covering distances of over 1,000 km, relying on their mysterious homing instinct to navigate back to their respective lofts.

The sport, akin to cycling in its need for meticulous preparation, involves a combination of breeding, training, and strategic racing. Weather conditions, particularly the wind, often play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

Bart Geerinckx, another prominent figure in Belgian pigeon racing, emphasizes the importance of preparation and regular racing to build the stamina and navigation skills of the birds.

Geerinckx, who has been a professional in the sport for over a decade, highlights the parallels between pigeon racing and other competitive endeavours like cycling or horse racing.

However, the actual financial windfall in pigeon racing comes from breeding rather than racing.

The sale of prize collections, such as the one by the legendary father-and-son duo Gaston and Kurt van de Wouwer in 2020, has seen transactions nearing €10 million.

Online platforms like PIPA have facilitated these high-stakes auctions, attracting bidders from around the world.

Ivan Willockx, a PIPA pigeon broker, acknowledges the role of the Internet in globalizing pigeon sport.

The online auctions have brought together thousands of buyers from diverse nationalities, with exceptionally high demand from Chinese buyers for top-tier pigeons.

Interestingly, these prized pigeons often remain in European lofts rather than being shipped overseas.

The surge in professional fanciers over the past two decades reflects the changing landscape of pigeon racing.

What was once a casual pastime centred around local pubs has evolved into a global industry with up to 50 professional fanciers in Belgium alone.

Pigeon racing has found enthusiasts in Europe and countries like China, Taiwan, India, Bangladesh, and the United States.

Despite the decline in interest within Belgium, the global appeal of Belgian-bred pigeons remains unparalleled.

Willockx aptly describes pigeon racing as an “export product” akin to Belgian beer or chocolates.

The pedigree of these birds, developed through generations of selective breeding, adds to their allure.

For Roziers and Geerinckx, turning their passion into a profession has been a fortunate journey. The decline in local interest is counterbalanced by the worldwide reach facilitated by the Internet.

The collaboration between Roziers and a Chinese fancier, Xiang Jixiang, exemplifies the cross-border relationships nurtured in the world of pigeon racing.

In a house provided by Xiang, Roziers and his family live rent-free, showcasing the harmonious relationship between international partners in the pursuit of pigeon racing excellence.

As Roziers sums it up with a boyish smile, “I’m here. I can do my hobby. I don’t have to go to work. I just do what I want to do.”

In the evolving landscape of pigeon racing, passion has found a place alongside profit, marking the ascent of professional fanciers in a sport that continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts worldwide.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members