The international Marseille race holds a unique position in the ZLU calendar. As the most easterly release point, it presents a challenging course where the Rhône Valley is often the most favorable flight path. This makes the race particularly tough and often advantageous for the eastern part of the Netherlands, especially the province of Limburg. In 2018, Hans and Roy de Bresser from Berg en Terblijt made history by winning both the national and international competition with their pigeon ‘Franciscus’. A victory that deserves a special place in the annals of pigeon racing.
Challenging Conditions at Marseille 2018
The Marseille 2018 release took place on Thursday, July 19, at 7:00 AM, near the Saint Charles station in Marseille. With 9,383 pigeons in the international convoy and 2,758 Dutch pigeons in competition, it was a tough edition.
Weather conditions were complex: a northern wind with variable direction and high temperatures made the race a true test of endurance. The fastest Belgian and German pigeons posted impressive speeds, but the big question remained: where would the first Dutch pigeon arrive?
The Triumph of ‘Franciscus’
In Berg en Terblijt, Hans and Roy de Bresser were eagerly waiting that evening. Based on the progression of previous ZLU races, they estimated a top arrival between 8:30 and 9:00 PM. At 8:40 PM, a pigeon suddenly landed on their loft. Initially, Roy thought it was a late returnee from St. Vincent, but when they checked, it turned out to be their Marseille pigeon. Their NL16-1750902, ‘Franciscus’, had secured the victory! With a speed of 1025 m/min over 841 km, he clinched both the national and international title. A remarkable achievement!
From Program Races to ZLU Elite
Hans de Bresser started his pigeon racing career in Eys, but due to his job at the slaughterhouse, he had little time for the sport. When his son Roy developed an interest in marathon racing in 2009, a new chapter began. Their first long-distance pigeons failed to deliver results, but in 2011, they made a breakthrough when they acquired a dozen pigeons from Math Duijckers of Eijsden. These Duijckers birds, originating from the Antoon and Lucie van der Wegen lineage, became the foundation of their current colony.
In 2014, they achieved their first major ZLU successes, including a 3rd national Agen yearlings and an 11th national Marseille. A few years later, their dedication paid off with the ultimate reward: the international victory at Marseille.
The Bloodline of a Champion
‘Franciscus’ comes from a strong lineage of proven marathon pigeons. His father, ‘Le Mazarin’ (2015), had already performed well with a 395th Narbonne, 382nd Agen, and 89th Marseille nationally. His grandfather, ‘d’Artagnan’ (2012), achieved notable results such as 85th Agen, 11th Marseille, and was ranked 3rd national ace pigeon Marseille over three years (2014-2016). The mother of ‘Franciscus’ also descends from this distinguished bloodline, reinforcing the dominance of the Van der Wegen-Duijckers strain within the de Bresser loft.
An Unexpected Crown
The 2018 season had been disappointing for Hans and Roy. Earlier ZLU races like Pau, Barcelona, and St. Vincent had not gone as planned. Even a visit to pigeon veterinarian Henk de Weerd revealed no significant health issues. But in top form or not, ‘Franciscus’ proved on Marseille that a true champion rises to the occasion!
Dreams Come True
Since their transition to ZLU racing, Hans and Roy de Bresser’s passion for marathon racing has only grown. As members of p.v. De Bergvliegers in Simpelveld, they have fully committed to extreme long-distance racing, utilizing both widowhood cocks and, since 2018, hens in their system. Their care and strategy have clearly paid off. The victory at Marseille 2018 with ‘Franciscus’ is the ultimate testament to their dedication. How many fanciers can say they have an international winner in their loft? For Hans and Roy, this dream became a reality in 2018, securing their place in the history of pigeon racing.
Until the next blog,
Jan de Wijs
The Real Pigeon Boss
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