There are days when the results of a pigeon race represent much more than a simple list of numbers. Sunday April 12 2026 was exactly such a day. In the very heart of Belgian pigeon racing, the Antwerp region, a battle took place that will be remembered for years to come. For the Ceulemans family from Herentals, the victory from Quievrain was not just a top tier athletic achievement. It was a tribute that left no one untouched.
The Magic of April Twelfth
Let us look at the facts because they tell a story of pure dominance. At exactly 09.00.00 the crates were opened in Quievrain. Ahead lay a course of nearly 119 kilometers where no fewer than 6,976 pigeons from 511 different fanciers competed for glory. The competition in the Antwerp Centraal union is fierce, this is where the true speed specialists test their mettle.
When the first timings came through, the community held its breath. The BE6078199.24 belonging to Emma and Evelyn Ceulemans flew home at an almost supernatural speed of 1855.94 meters per minute. That translates to over 111 kilometers per hour. To give you an idea of the gap, the runner up on the list was nearly 18 meters per minute slower. In a sport where we often discuss mere seconds, this is a level of superiority rarely seen. The Ceulemans train thundered over the competition, securing the top spot along with the 64th prize and six early arrivals in total.
A Legacy of Gold
Behind this spectacular win lies a story of loss, resilience, and unconditional love for the sport. Last September, the Ceulemans family suffered a massive blow when the patriarch, Tom, passed away suddenly. Tom was the man who built the foundation. He was the one who taught Emma the intricacies of the craft from the age of six and who, together with his wife Evelyn, forged a team that proved unbeatable.
The void he left was immense, but Emma and Evelyn did not hesitate for a moment. They stepped up together to continue Tom’s dream. This victory is the ultimate proof that his vision and expertise live on through the hands of these two dedicated women. Every time a pigeon lands in Herentals now, it feels as though Tom is watching over their shoulders.
The Secret of Grobbendonk and Herentals
What makes this loft so special? It starts with the foundation. Tom knew better than anyone where to find true speed. The colony is built on the absolute best bloodlines from the region, specifically the golden lines from Grobbendonk belonging to icons such as Danny Van Dyck and Stickers Donckers. These are pigeons that do not know how to quit and choose the shortest path home from the moment they are released.
But genetics are only half the story. It is the system developed by Emma and Evelyn that pushes these birds to such heights. Emma is a top talent with a sharp eye for condition, while Evelyn provides the calm and structure needed in the lofts. The pigeons are incredibly tame and motivated. They simply want to get home faster because the bond with their handlers is so strong. In 2021, Emma was already crowned Provincial Youth Champion, and that upward trajectory has never wavered since.
Ambassadors with Bravado
The Ceulemans family symbolizes everything that is beautiful about our sport. They radiate joy, they approach everything with a healthy dose of bravado, and they show that pigeon racing is a family sport that connects generations. For them, a victory is a celebration shared with the entire community.
With this phenomenal win against nearly 7,000 pigeons, Emma and Evelyn have definitively claimed their place among the greats. The competition knows exactly what time it is when the names from Herentals appear on the list. This is craftsmanship fueled by a smile and a tear, driven by a passion stronger than any loss. The future in Herentals looks bright, and we cannot wait for the next chapter of this magnificent team. This is pigeon racing at its absolute best.
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
