In the picturesque town of Rijssen, the Netherlands, lives a man whose name is etched in the hearts of marathon pigeon racers across Europe: Cees Nijdeken. With over 50 years of experience in the sport, he’s not just a fancier—he’s a master breeder and marathon strategist. And at the heart of his incredible story flies one unforgettable pigeon: ‘Late Blauwe’.
💎 A Racing Pigeon With a Champion’s Heart
‘Late Blauwe’ – NL10-1237284 – is no ordinary long-distance pigeon. He is a living legend who soared to fame on the toughest national races, earning an elite status thanks to his consistent and exceptional performances:
🏆 1st NPO St-Vincent ’15
🥈 2nd NPO Bergerac ’15
🥇 1st Ace Pigeon Marathon Noord
🥇 1st Ace Pigeon Topwings Marathon
🥉 3rd Ace Pigeon of the Netherlands
🥉 3rd Ace Pigeon NU, VNCC & Section 9
🏅 7th Ace Pigeon WHZB/TBOTB
With his impressive build, powerful eyes, and relentless drive, ‘Late Blauwe’ became the perfect example of what a true marathon champion should be.
👤 The Man Behind the Legend: Meet Cees Nijdeken
Cees Nijdeken is not just a top fancier—he’s a lifelong student and servant of the pigeon sport. His journey started over five decades ago, and in 2001, he shifted his focus entirely to long-distance racing. That’s when things truly took off.
He built his racing dynasty on the foundations of proven bloodlines, including birds from Jac Steketee, Theo Streefkerk, Jelle Jellema, Arjan Beens, and Combinatie Verweij-de Haan. Every step of the way, Cees made thoughtful, strategic choices—focused not just on winning, but on building a legacy.
In an interview, Cees humbly shared,
“I’m always eager to learn. I’d love to spend a week with the best in the game, just to see what drives them.”
That’s the spirit of a real champion—open, curious, and committed to growing every single day.
🧬 From Racer to Breeder: ‘Late Blauwe’ in the Breeding Loft
‘Late Blauwe’ didn’t just shine in the sky—he proved just as valuable in the breeding loft. His offspring have flown brilliantly for other top lofts around the country:
✅ Gebr. Ellerbroek – 7th National Barcelona with a grandchild of ‘Late Blauwe’
✅ R. van der Vegt – 1st and 2nd NPO Bergerac with Nijdeken-bred pigeons
✅ Comb. Huygens–van der Molen – Two 1st National wins in Sector 4 with descendants of Cees' birds
These achievements prove that ‘Late Blauwe’ is more than a racer—he’s a foundation sire, leaving a mark on generations of long-distance flyers.
💡 A Legacy of Passion, Dedication, and Quality
Cees Nijdeken is a name that inspires. He represents everything good about the pigeon sport: passion, precision, patience, and a deep love for the birds. He’s a fancier who doesn’t just chase trophies—he uplifts the sport and the people in it.
And most importantly, he shares his knowledge. His results speak volumes, but his willingness to help others succeed is what makes him truly special.
➡️ Direct from the Masters: A Rock-Solid Breeding Base
Cees Nijdeken has built his current breeding loft on a foundation of absolute world-class bloodlines. He works exclusively with direct pigeons from three legendary names in long-distance racing: Jelle Jellema, Arjan Beens, and the top duo Verweij/de Haan. These fanciers have earned their stripes on the toughest marathon races, and their pigeons now form the genetic core of Cees's ambitious loft. With this kind of quality in the breeding section, it’s clear that Cees isn’t just dreaming big—he’s building for top-level results.
🙌 Let the Story of ‘Late Blauwe’ Inspire the Next Generation
The story of Cees Nijdeken and his iconic ‘Late Blauwe’ reminds us why we love this sport. It's about more than just winning—it's about breeding excellence, caring for our pigeons, and being part of a global community built on trust and tradition.
So let’s keep the legacy of ‘Late Blauwe’ alive—by flying harder, breeding smarter, and dreaming bigger. Just like Cees.
Untill the next blog,
Jan de Wijs
The Real Pigeon Boss
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