Heavy Headwinds and Pure Grit: The First Ultimate Test
What an electrifying kick-off in Đakovo! Anyone who thought the first hotspot of Derby AS Croatia 2026 would be a gentle warm-up walk in the park was in for a serious reality check. From the very first meters out of Tamasi, Hungary, this race turned into a brutal battleground made for true endurance birds. Slavonia is legendary for its breathtaking yet unforgiving open plains where the wind blows unchecked. Mix in sweltering summer temperatures, and you know these young feathered athletes had to dig deep right out of the gate.
Liberated at 06:00 sharp over a distance of 150 kilometers, the flight demanded rock-solid muscle, laser-sharp navigation, and an unstoppable urge to reach the loft. No free gifts are handed out in this arena. Pigeons that spearhead the pack in conditions like these prove instantly that they are built of stronger stuff.
The loft management and preparation led by Petar Brlošić was on full display. Fueled by Vanrobaeys nutrition and kept in peak form by Vet-Schroeder-Tollisan veterinary care, these birds were dropped at the start line in absolute condition. The proof of that dedication hits hard: despite the demanding weather, a staggering 85% return rate was clocked on day one. That is not just a statistical detail; it is a masterclass in health, conditioning, and raw quality!
Lightning Arrival: A Finish Decided on Milliseconds
When the leading batch of pigeons broke through the sky above the hill in Đakovo, every single spectator held their breath. Diving toward the landing boards at a scorching pace of over 1245 meters per minute, the birds put on a show. The BENZING live tracking system captured a finish so unbelievably tight that the top spots were separated by mere fractions of a second.
1st Place: Team van der Maas (Belgium) with BE-2026-4091969 flying at 1245.5092 m/min.
2nd Place: Ivica Pogačić (Croatia) with CRO-2026-15421 at 1245.4679 m/min (+00:00:00.24).
3rd Place: dr. Oflin & Kujtim Sejda (Germany) with DV-2026-09392-4104 at 1245.3076 m/min (+00:00:01.17).
4th Place: Team Ločniškar (Slovenia) with SLO-2026-107-8312 at 1245.2525 m/min (+00:00:01.49).
5th Place: Tim Vila Velebita (Croatia) with CRO-2026-32021 at 1245.2215 m/min (+00:00:01.67).
This international leaderboard showcases the heavy-hitting lineup of this edition. Belgian class, Croatian fire, German precision, and Slovenian power fought wing to wing right down to the wire. You could not ask for a finer showcase of modern pigeon racing.
Authentic Croatian Hospitality: Passion on the Hill
At Derby AS Croatia, the sport goes far beyond timing sheets and velocity calculations. It is a gathering place built on genuine friendship and real racing emotion. From first light until dusk, fanciers and guests from all across Europe filled the grounds.
True Pigeon Sport Experience Petar Brlošić and his team rolled out the red carpet for everyone watching the skies. Fresh homemade breakfast, hot coffee, chilled drinks, baked treats, and traditional brandy kept the atmosphere buzzing all day long. People laughed, debated pedigrees, and soaked in the thrilling arrivals together. This is what the pigeon sport is all about!
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Pushing the Limits: Next Stop 200 Kilometers!
The ice is broken, the first champions have claimed their glory, but the fire is only burning hotter. These young racers have shown they mean business. Next up on the calendar is the 200 km mark! New borders will be crossed, limits will be pushed, and the excitement is building fast. Derby AS Croatia Pigeons has laid down the gauntlet. Get ready, because the real show is just getting under way!
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
