A Rigorous Selection and Dedication
Justin Bartelink, now 30 years old, is no stranger to the world of pigeon racing. His passion began in 2007 when a stray pigeon caught his interest. What started with caring for this one pigeon grew into a serious hobby, thanks to the support of his parents and experienced enthusiasts who gave him pigeons to start with.

In his first official year, Justin immediately became the youth champion in his section, a feat that set the tone for his future successes. His specialty lies in one-day long-distance flights, which he personally finds the most beautiful. Justin’s approach is meticulous; he believes in a strict selection of his pigeons. Only the best remain, resulting in exceptional performances like that of the flight from Morlincourt.

The Unbeatable 23-567
The star of this race was undoubtedly the 23-567, a red yearling hen with an impressive pedigree. She is the offspring of "Fire Eyes" (also known as "De Vale Koopman Doffer"), the patriarch of Justin's loft, and the 19-433, a daughter of "Mr. Chateaudun," who has already produced multiple winning offspring.

The 23-567 has already proven to be a winner. As a young pigeon, she flew top prizes, and this year she has once again shown her potential. She achieved a 4th place in the section at Marche and was also early back at Gray last week. With this flight from Morlincourt, she has further cemented her status as a top pigeon, and Justin looks forward to a promising future for her.

An Impressive Result
Justin had 17 pigeons ready for this flight, and six of them won a prize. The results are impressive: 1 - 50 - 238 - 822 - 1163 - 2025. These numbers not only show the depth of Justin’s talented loft but also his strategic approach and dedication to the sport.

Future Plans and Vision
Justin remains driven and looks forward to future races. He trains his pigeons carefully, with the cocks getting a training flight every two weeks, while the hens participate in races weekly to maintain their rhythm. His goal is to continue improving his lofts and expand his passion for pigeon racing.

Conclusion
Justin Bartelink’s spectacular victory in the flight from Morlincourt is a testament to his perseverance, strict selection, and passion for pigeon racing. His story inspires and motivates pigeon enthusiasts worldwide. With his impressive performances and unwavering dedication, Justin remains a force to be reckoned with in pigeon racing. On to the next flight and hopefully many more victories!

Until the next blog,

Jan de Wijs
Blogger & Racing Pigeon Expert