1st Pau Long-distance Club, The Glazenstad against 461 pigeons
The sun had barely climbed above the Pyrenees when the pigeons of Pau 2025 spread their wings northward. Friday, June 20th 2025, 07:00 AM — the moment when true marathon class separates itself from the crowd. Headwinds, heavy air, and nearly 1,000 kilometers of open sky stood between hope and glory. For many, it became a battle of survival. For Jan Polder of Middelharnis, it turned into a demonstration of mastery.
While others struggled just to appear in the result list, Polder wrote another chapter in his impressive career. In Fondclub De Glazen Stad, with 461 pigeons entered, he clocked four birds in the top 13 — taking 1st, 5th, 7th and 13th. That’s not luck. That’s craftsmanship. That’s how you win Pau.
His winning pigeon, NL22-8432358, flew the 997.7 km course at a blistering average of 850 m/min, arriving at 08:32:38 in Middelharnis as the sixth nominated bird. The rest of the team followed in perfect rhythm — one at 09:15, another at 09:20, and the fourth around ten o’clock. Each bird fought its way into the leading group, proving that Jan Polder doesn’t rely on one miracle pigeon, but fields a team built to perform under pressure.
A Bloodline of Strength and Character
The winning hen is a daughter of “Ons Tess”, the superstar that won 1st Marseille in 2021 and became the foundation of the new Polder generation. “Ons Tess” herself descends from the legendary “Victoria”, winner of 1st National St. Vincent 2005 against 32,149 pigeons. That heritage is no coincidence — for two decades this line has proven itself in Europe’s toughest marathon races. It’s a bloodline where character, orientation, and endurance dominate.
The “358” was entered on ten days of incubation, Jan’s favourite nest position — not too full, not too empty, but perfectly motivated. No complex supplement plans or over-engineered systems; Polder keeps it natural and simple. His pigeons train freely, eat clean, and are prepared with intuition and timing rather than laboratory science.
The Lofts of a True Master
Anyone who’s ever visited Jan Polder’s loft knows what it stands for: simplicity and balance. No shiny technology, no noise — just peace, air, and light. The lofts face east-southeast, with ventilation adjusted daily by instinct. “Calmness on the loft is everything,” says Jan. “A pigeon must feel safe and know its place.”
His racing team consists of about 48 flyers and 12 breeding pairs, supported by a modest group of youngsters for the future. Development happens slowly and deliberately — no bird tackles the extreme distance until it has truly earned its place.
An Inheritance of Champions
The triumphs of 2025 didn’t come from nowhere. Jan Polder has been a powerhouse in Dutch marathon racing for decades. From his legendary 1st National St. Vincent in 2005 with “Victoria” to his double national Ace Pigeon titles in 2024 with “Cataleya” and “Super Lars,” he is known for consistency at the very top.
While others endlessly chase new bloodlines, Polder keeps refining his own family. Generation after generation, his pigeons keep shining in the hardest races — proof that excellence is hereditary when guided by the right hands.
That loyalty to his base makes him dangerous to underestimate. His birds are built for the night, for the long haul, for the races where mental strength decides everything.
Why This Victory Is Pigeon Boss Approved
Pau 2025 wasn’t a race for the lucky. Headwinds, heavy skies, and nearly a thousand kilometers of endurance — it was one of the toughest editions in recent years. Yet Jan Polder managed to dominate, with four top birds, led by a convincing first arrival well ahead of the field. That’s the difference between a good fancier and a master.
This result represents everything the marathon sport should stand for: patience, character, and craftsmanship. No gimmicks, no shortcuts — just expertise and respect for the pigeons. That’s why this victory is fully Pigeon Boss Approved.
The Legacy Continues
With this performance on Pau 2025, Jan Polder reaffirms his position among the great names of international marathon racing. His name has become synonymous with quality, discipline, and determination. From St. Vincent to Barcelona, his pigeons continue to deliver — and Pau 2025 adds another milestone to a remarkable career. For those who follow this bloodline, one thing is clear: the marathon lives on, and Polder continues to raise the bar for everyone else.
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss