While most people were in deep sleep in the middle of the night, there was a moment of absolute triumph in Utrecht. At exactly 2:54:40 AM, a pigeon arrived at the lofts of Henk Spronk, with an average speed of no less than 1911 meters per minute. This nocturnal flyer overcame all obstacles and reached Utrecht first, earning the admiration and respect of the entire pigeon racing community.
A Small but Strong Team
What makes this victory even more remarkable is the fact that Henk had only entered two pigeons for this marathon flight. With a keen eye for quality and a determined spirit, he managed to achieve victory with his first signed pigeon. This proves that you don't need a large basket of pigeons to be a leader in the sport. Henk's success underscores the essence of pigeon racing: passion, dedication, and strategic selection.
The Winning Hen
The winning pigeon, a little hen, is 100% from Jay Lissenberg from Utrecht. Her cock, which Henk had entered in Barcelona, also scored there. This shows the excellent quality of the pigeons Henk has managed to acquire. With 90% of his pigeons from Jay Lissenberg and 10% from Koos Steenbeek from De Bilt, Henk has created a strong base of top-quality pigeons.
A Lifelong Passion
Henk, recently turned 65, is a small independent plumber. Despite his busy work schedule, he still makes time for his passion: pigeon racing. With only 12 pairs of racers and 18 young pigeons, he belongs to the smaller enthusiasts, but his recent success shows that quality always trumps quantity. His love for the sport was instilled in him by his father, and this recent victory is a beautiful culmination of years of dedication.
Conclusion
Henk Spronk's victory in the marathon flight from Bressols is an inspiration for pigeon enthusiasts around the world. It shows that with passion, dedication, and a sharp focus on quality, even the smallest enthusiasts can achieve great results. Henk's story reminds us why we love this sport and encourages us to always strive for the best, no matter the challenges we face.
Let's take a moment to congratulate this grandiose winner and celebrate what a beautiful sport pigeon racing is. Here's to many more unforgettable moments in the future!
Until the next blog,
Jan de Wijs
Blogger and Racing Pigeon Expert
