Yesterday we made history in the world of international pigeon racing. While the world watches, our feathered athletes have transformed the skies above the Algarve into an arena of pure speed and unprecedented passion. With a bold sense of bravado and the joy that makes our sport so unique, we have experienced a day that will not soon be forgotten.
The baptism of fire: Why the activation race makes every fan’s heart beat faster!
To the outside world, it might look like just another flight, but the true connoisseur knows better. The activation race is the ultimate baptism of fire, the moment of truth. After weeks of intensive training and dedicated care, this is the official transition from training to competition.
It is the definitive moment when owners decide to activate their pigeons for the big prize money and the highly coveted titles. This is the gateway to the professional league. From here on, every second and every wingbeat counts. Today, we have seen the true fighters who are ready to challenge the world’s best.
An aerodynamic spectacle under the Portuguese sun!
At exactly 10:00:00, 1,792 pigeons were released in Santa Clara de Louredo. The 95 kilometer flight path to Moncarapacho was a masterpiece of perfection today.
The conditions: A crystal clear sky with a radiant sun.
The temperature: A perfect 17 degrees Celsius, ideal for maximum physical performance.
The wind: A light northeast breeze of approximately 5 km/h that supported the pigeons as an invisible force at their backs.
Thanks to these conditions, the pigeons were able to maintain a razor sharp course, resulting in a fabulous return rate of over 96 percent. This is pigeon racing at its absolute best. Healthy birds, perfect conditions, and an organization that stands like a rock!
The giants of the day: A German offensive and international power!
The arrivals were a true symphony of speed. In the blink of an eye, the sky turned grey with pigeons diving for the traps. The battle at the top was thrilling.
Rank | Ring Number | Owner | Speed (m/min) |
1 | GB.25.D.72053 | Blueridge Lofts (A) | 1261.5755 |
2 | DE.25.08469.1196 | Bigjas Pigeons (C) | 1258.8673 |
3 | NL.25.2525939 | Hok Erik Reijnen (F) | 1258.3031 |
4 | DE.25.01777.354 | ZG Helios (A) | 1258.2615 |
5 | DE.25.05497.667 | Hofmann Karl (B) | 1255.4568 |
6 | PT.25.5225331 | Pavlo and Petro Siletskyy | 1254.5974 |
7 | PL.25.072.6368 | Team Kewag | 1254.0399 |
8 | NL.25.1048617 | Wendy Eertink (C) | 1253.9792 |
9 | DE.25.09521.118 | Dr. Angela Targatz (A) | 1253.1191 |
10 | DE.25.03718.182 | Immeln B. | 1252.9951 |
German gründlichkeit was unstoppable today with no less than five places in the top 10. However, the victory by Blueridge Lofts from the United Kingdom and the strong Dutch presence prove that the competition is fierce. This is the level that makes the Algarve Great Derby so legendary!
The future lands now: The summer of 2026 begins today!
While we cheer for the heroes of the winter, we look forward with an enormous dose of energy to the AGD Summer 2026. Yesterday, we experienced a goosebump moment as the first 50 youngsters for the summer season arrived at our lofts.
The birds are in absolute top condition and have now quietly settled into their new home. A special mention and a big thank you goes out to Dragos Chiritescu. His craftsmanship and careful transport ensured that these future champions arrived fresh and ready.
Attention: The train is leaving!
The enthusiasm is truly insane. We currently already have more than 2,000 pre-registrations. Our loft capacity is strictly limited to 3,000 pigeons. Do you want to be part of this success story? Then do not wait until it is too late.
The Algarve is ready. The pigeons are ready. Are you ready? The hunt for eternal glory has officially begun!
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
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