On Saturday, April 12th, 2025, the first sprint race of the season for Dutch Region 7 South (Afdeling 7 Zuid) took place, with the liberation point in Bierges, Belgium. The weather conditions were perfect for a fast race: clear skies, mild temperatures of 10°C, and a light southeast wind. At 9:10 AM, a total of 7,538 racing pigeons from 257 fanciers were released for this early-season classic.
Niels den Dunnen: First Across the Finish Line
The undeniable star of the race was Niels den Dunnen from club 1711. His pigeon NL24-8409218 covered the 129.016 km distance at an impressive average speed of 1493.430 meters per minute, arriving at 10:36:23 AM—securing 1st place overall in a field of thousands.
A Rising Star in Dutch Pigeon Racing
At just 24 years old, Niels is part of the new generation in the pigeon sport. Despite his young age, he’s already proving himself among the best. His loft is home to pigeons from some of the sport’s most respected names, including Jan Eskes, G. & S. Verkerk, Comb. Van Leeuwen and Son (Reeuwijk), and Henny la Grouw.
In 2023, Niels had a stellar season, thanks to his outstanding cock NL22-8342193, directly acquired from Henny la Grouw. This champion won several top prizes in big competition, including 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 7th—firmly establishing Niels as a serious contender in Dutch pigeon racing.
Dominating the Result List
Niels didn’t stop at first place—he had 25 pigeons in the result list, showcasing not just talent, but also incredible consistency. His second pigeon placed 35th, with more arrivals quickly following at positions 36, 79, 137, and continuing through to position 2381.
Race Summary – Bierges (April 12, 2025)
- Race Point: Bierges, Belgium
- Liberation Time: 09:10 AM
- Weather: Clear skies, 10°C, light SE wind (2 Bft)
- Distance to Winner: 129.016 km
- Participants: 257 fanciers
- Total Pigeons in Competition: 7,538
- Winning Speed: 1493.430 m/min
- Prizes Won by Niels den Dunnen: 25
Why Niels den Dunnen is a Name to Remember
With an elite loft, a strong eye for quality bloodlines, and a track record of impressive results, Niels den Dunnen is one of the most exciting young fanciers in the Netherlands today. His victory in Bierges proves he’s not just a future star—he’s already competing and winning at the highest level.
👉 Stay tuned to PigeonBoss.com for more highlights from Niels and other rising stars in international pigeon racing.
Untill the next blog,
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
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