Today, I write with a heavy heart and a substantial dose of disappointment. It is nearly impossible to comprehend what has transpired once again concerning the international marathon flights. We, as Dutch marathon enthusiasts, are once again enveloped in uncertainty. On Monday, November 4th, another meeting took place with the NPO board and other parties regarding the international flights. However, instead of receiving answers and making progress, we were confronted with a new obstacle — and what an obstacle it was.
The NPO board came well-prepared, ready to discuss significant and practical matters such as transportation, entry fees, and the calculation of results. These are issues we have all been eagerly awaiting — concrete points on which clear agreements are necessary. And what happened? The Belgian organizers, supported by the French federation, suddenly introduced an entirely new demand. A demand that feels unacceptable to us as Dutch enthusiasts. According to them, the Netherlands may only participate if we accept all 7 international flights. And not only that: the international competition should take precedence over our national competition.
It feels like a slap in the face, not only for the NPO board but for all of us who invest heart and soul into this sport. The approach from the Belgian organizers was utterly disrespectful. The previously established agreement between the NPO and the KBDB, in which national interests were clearly defined, was simply brushed aside. This attitude from the organizers and the French federation underscores their position of power and reveals their self-interest. It seems as if they want to steer the pigeon sport for their own benefit, without any appreciation for the national organizations that aim to protect the interests of their members.
This really makes me wonder: what exactly do we gain from the international competition? Why do we continue to comply with demands that increasingly corner us? The Belgian and French parties seem uninterested in our perspective and concerns. Shouldn’t we focus more strongly on a national competition? A competition where we hold the reins and where we, as Dutch marathon enthusiasts, can build a future that aligns with our desires and pride?
With the national flight program for 2025, we have 5 fantastic marathon flights on the agenda, all with early morning releases. The NPO board has consistently advocated for maintaining international overlaps on these flights, based on the agreement previously established with the KBDB board. These agreements were even published in a joint press release by the KBDB and NPO. But where are these agreements now, when we are faced with unilateral demands from our southern neighbors?
The NPO board has made efforts to find a feasible solution for the international marathon flights following the ZLU's withdrawal from the international competitions. There was a promising foundation — an agreement between the KBDB and the NPO — and while a few logistical details remained to be ironed out, this agreement offered perspective. But now, due to the stance of the Belgian organizers and the French federation, the entire international competition for Dutch marathon enthusiasts seems to be on shaky ground.
As Pigeon Boss
I can barely conceal my disappointment and disbelief. It is inconceivable that, despite all our efforts, we are treated in this way. There is evidently no respect for our position and the interests of Dutch marathon enthusiasts. So, I wonder, along with many of you, if it might be better to let go of the international flights entirely. Shouldn’t we simply reclaim our pride in a national competition, where we as the NPO have control and can determine how we organize our marathon flights?
Until the next, hopefully more positive, blog,
Jan de Wijs
The Real Pigeon Boss
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