When passion and precision meet, great things happen. And that’s exactly what we see at Schalkwijk Pigeons, where Gerard Schalkwijk has opened a new and exciting chapter after selling his well-known company TraviPharma. For years, Gerard was one of the leading names in pigeon health and nutrition, but deep down, he always remained what he truly is — a pigeon fancier. Now, free from the day-to-day of running an international business and more more active racing from his home loft, his focus has shifted back to his first love: but this time O.L.R.
At the heart of this new journey stands a bird that symbolizes everything Schalkwijk Pigeons represents: “BriVerkerk” (NL22-8459737). A magnificent blue cock, built from generations of proven performance and carrying the unmistakable stamp of the Verkerk bloodline.
The Making of a Super Breeder
Every great story begins with great parents — and “BriVerkerk” is no exception. His father and mother were both outstanding long-distance performers, each winning top results on the demanding 800 km Brive races. The pair combined both strength and intelligence, with results such as 1st and 2nd Interprovincial Brive, 1st NPO Brive against 2,484 pigeons, and top positions against more than 8,000 pigeons in Pontoise and Chateauroux.
From these champions came a pigeon destined to breed winners. And that’s exactly what “BriVerkerk” did from his very first breeding season. He became the father of 913 & 914, the famous Schalkwijk Pigeons duo (And Team) that stole the spotlight in the Africa Pro One Loft Race — two brothers that not only reached the podium but also won the coveted Black Jacket title after Race 3.
As if that wasn’t enough, “BriVerkerk” is also father of the 6th Final 500 km Derby Ribera del Órbigo (Spain) and grandfather of the 7th Final in the same race. These are not isolated results — they show a breeding line that passes on its power, consistency, and winning mentality.
The Strength of the Verkerk Bloodline
The Verkerk name is one of the strongest in pigeon racing, and the pedigree of “BriVerkerk” reads like a page from the history of modern long-distance excellence. His bloodline combines champions such as “Bull’s Eye”, “Nikkie”, “Olympic Solange”, “Bulldozer”, and “Solo Star” — names that have defined an entire generation of top performance pigeons.
From these roots, Gerard Schalkwijk built his own line — focusing not just on names, but on what truly matters: performance, recovery, and character. The Verkerk genes give his birds the stamina to keep pushing in the toughest conditions, and under Gerard’s breeding eye, they’ve proven to thrive in the harsh One Loft Race environment where every second counts and every mistake is punished.
A New Chapter for Schalkwijk Pigeons
After selling TraviPharma, Gerard didn’t slow down. Instead, he reinvented himself as a breeder and competitor for the modern era. Today, Schalkwijk Pigeons in Lopik (NL) has become a name that resonates across the OLR scene. His mission is clear: create a focused, high-quality breeding program that produces winners in the world’s toughest races.
With decades of experience and a sharp eye for detail, Gerard knows what works. His loft is not built on quantity but on selective excellence. Each pigeon must prove itself — either by performance or by breeding top offspring. And “BriVerkerk” quickly earned his spot as one of the core breeders of the loft.
What makes Gerard’s approach stand out is how personal it remains. He doesn’t talk about numbers; he talks about stories — how his pigeons behave in the basket, how they handle the wind, how they recover. There’s a sense of emotion and craftsmanship that runs through everything at Schalkwijk Pigeons.
Built for the Future
“BriVerkerk” represents exactly where Schalkwijk Pigeons is heading. A loft that combines tradition with innovation. A breeder who pairs old-school passion with modern strategy. And a bloodline that continues to produce results across countries, climates, and conditions.
For fanciers around the world who dream of success in One Loft Races, this is the kind of pigeon that changes everything. Because “BriVerkerk” doesn’t just carry a pedigree — he carries proof. Proof that good breeding still matters. Proof that experience counts. And proof that Gerard Schalkwijk knows how to turn a vision into victory.
The Pigeon Boss View
At Pigeon Boss, we’ve followed countless fanciers and pedigrees, but few stories feel as authentic as this one. Schalkwijk Pigeons BriVerkerk is more than a name on paper. It’s a story of renewal, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence. The results speak for themselves — Africa Pro podiums, Spanish finals, and an ever-growing list of OLR achievements.
It’s a loft built on passion and guided by experience. And that’s why Schalkwijk Pigeons BriVerkerk is not just approved — it’s Pigeon Boss Approved.
A Word from The Boss
“Some pigeons win races, others change the direction of a loft. BriVerkerk did both. And that’s exactly why Schalkwijk Pigeons is writing one of the most exciting new stories in modern long-distance racing.” — The Pigeon Boss
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss