B.13-6130188 “Golden Barcelona” – A Legendary Racing Pigeon from Binnemans-Van de Weyer

Competing over an incredible distance of 1,106 km, Golden Barcelona delivered an outstanding performance, securing top rankings in both national and international competitions:

• 1st Provincial Barcelona – 987 pigeons
• 2nd National Barcelona (Hens) – 2,037 pigeons
• 3rd National Barcelona – 7,791 pigeons
• 6th International Hens – 5,244 pigeons
• 10th International Barcelona – 19,089 pigeons

These results solidify her reputation as one of the best Barcelona race pigeons of her time, proving that she had both the stamina and intelligence needed to win in extreme conditions.

The Bloodline Behind Golden Barcelona

Golden Barcelona comes from the renowned Binnemans-Van de Weyer loft in Geel, Belgium, a name synonymous with long-distance pigeon racing success. This loft, led by Carlo Van de Weyer, has been at the forefront of Belgian pigeon racing for decades, producing some of the finest Barcelona marathon pigeons.

Their success story began in 1985, when a young pigeon from Rinus Van Gastel of Roosendaal, Netherlands, found its way to their loft. This bird turned out to be a game-changer, forming the foundation of a bloodline that consistently produces top-performing long-distance pigeons.

In 2007 they started with on extreme long-distance with pigeons from Dutch legend, Frans & Jose Belleter from Nispen!

Binnemans-Van de Weyer pigeons are known for:

✔️ Exceptional endurance over extreme distances
✔️ Strong homing instincts in tough weather conditions
✔️ Proven ability to pass down winning genetics

Golden Barcelona is a prime example of these winning traits, making her descendants highly sought after by top fanciers worldwide.

Binnemans-Van de Weyer’s Breeding Philosophy

Success in pigeon racing is never accidental. The breeding strategy at Binnemans-Van de Weyer follows a proven method that combines:

1. Line-breeding – Preserving the strongest bloodlines by breeding within a select group of champion pigeons
2. Selective out-crossing – Introducing new genetics from proven marathon pigeons to maintain vitality and adaptability
3. Strict selection criteria – Only the best-performing pigeons are used for breeding

This method has consistently produced Barcelona-winning pigeons, ensuring that their birds remain at the top of the international marathon racing scene.

How Was Golden Barcelona Trained?

Training is just as crucial as breeding in long-distance pigeon racing. Golden Barcelona was prepared for Barcelona with a structured training program that included:

• Gradual distance increases – Starting with shorter tosses and progressing to longer flights.
• Consistent loft management – Monitoring condition, motivation, and recovery after each race.
• Advanced feeding schedules – A diet rich in carbohydrates and fats before the race for sustained energy.
• Mental preparation – Motivational techniques like widowhood to increase determination

This combination of superior genetics and a world-class training regimen made Golden Barcelona one of the best Barcelona pigeons ever.

Golden Barcelona’s Legacy

Winning Barcelona is every fancier’s dream, but few pigeons achieve it. Golden Barcelona not only competed and excelled in this iconic race but also established herself as a breeding queen, influencing future generations of elite marathon pigeons.
Her bloodline continues to produce high-performance pigeons that dominate international marathon races, making her an invaluable asset in any loft.

Until the next blog,

Jan de Wijs
The Real Pigeon Boss