In pigeon racing, things all too often revolve around cold numbers, relentless selection, and the fierce battle for top prizes.
But anyone who truly understands the sport knows that the finest stories unfold at the intersection of genuine friendship, a touch of good fortune, and above all: mutual goodwill. The 2026 season at the lofts of Luc Vervoort in Hallaar is absolute proof of that. With B26-6103845 (“New Lore”) and B26-6103846 (“New Finn”), Luc celebrates two phenomenal ace pigeon titles, bred from a story straight out of a fairy tale.
The Spirit of Co-Breeding: A Friendship Forged in Gold
The adventure began in 2022, when internationally renowned pigeon expert Markus Bauer acquired “Romulus” (B22-5088495), the 1st National Ace Pigeon KBDB Speed 2022. Owning a national ace pigeon of that caliber commands immense admiration, but Markus had only one thought in mind: teaming up with his good friend Luc Vervoort.
Markus knocked on Luc’s door in Hallaar for a co-breeding project with the absolute best available. The choice fell on hen “Dolly” (B20-6245158), bred from Vervoort’s legendary stock cock “Kareltje” (B13-6284116) x “Queen 21” (B12-6234521, Roger & Nick Thijs).
When the youngsters from this royal pairing hatched in the nest bowl, Markus showed true class. To express his gratitude for their years of close friendship and to demonstrate what generosity in pigeon racing truly means, he gifted two youngsters back to Luc: B23-6016013 (“Romy”) and B23-6016014.
A Blessing in Disguise
Fate guided the two nest sisters down very different paths:
“Romy” (B23-6016013) developed into a formidable racing hen. Over her racing career, she racked up no fewer than 19 prizes in sprint races, including brilliant top positions such as 1st/373, 3rd/625, 5th/960, and 6th/589. She even claimed 6th Ace Pigeon Quievrain at the local club.
B23-6016014, however, suffered a tragic setback early on. She sustained a severe eye injury, bringing her promising racing career to an abrupt end.
Where many would see a loss, Luc remained calm. The injured hen was moved to the breeding loft. In hindsight, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise: as a direct daughter of “Romulus” x “Dolly”, she carried pure gold in her genes!
The 2026 Breakthrough: “New Lore” & “New Finn”
In the breeding loft, B23-6016014 was paired with B24-6107787 (purchased from Rudi Van Reeth, out of Brother Dady Cool x Schoon Grijs). What this pairing produced in 2026 exceeded all expectations.
“New Lore” (B26-6103845) – The Noyon Queen
The blue hen “New Lore” flew to the absolute top in short middle distance racing in 2026:
1st Ace Pigeon Noyon Antwerpen-Centraal Youngsters 2026 with a phenomenal coefficient of 4.2100 (6 prizes).
1st Ace Pigeon Noyon Youngsters Diamantverbond 2026 with a coefficient of 31.1985 (8 prizes).
2026 Highlights: Won 1st/437, 3rd/1813, 4th/2207, 4th/826, 9th/579, 9th/493, 11th/7441, 17th/259, 20th/1432, 24th/989, 26th/4627, 28th/2648, and 33rd/3213.
“New Finn” (B26-6103846) – The Quievrain Ace
Her nest brother, the blue cock “New Finn”, matched her brilliance and proved his class in sprint racing:
3rd Ace Pigeon Quievrain Youngsters Diamantverbond 2026 with 8 prizes and a sharp coefficient of 38.5905.
5th Ace Pigeon Antwerpen-Centraal Noyon (coefficient 5/6159).
2026 Highlights: Won 1st/398, 2nd/1088, 5th/341, 10th/62, 15th/459, 20th/513, 21st/556, 51st/389, 51st/387, 17th/8439, and 62nd/7085.
Pigeon Racing as It Should Be
The story of the 845 and the 846 illustrates just how wonderful pigeon racing can be. Free of envy and commercial greed, it stands as a testament to genuine camaraderie between Markus Bauer and Luc Vervoort. Built on mutual respect, admiration, and shared goodwill, this partnership laid the foundation for a bloodline now dominating the Antwerp region.
An eye injury in a breeding hen opened the door to two of the finest young ace pigeons in the country in 2026. That is the true magic of pigeon racing: enjoyed among friends, driven by passion, and crowned with gold. Pigeon racing just as it was meant to be!
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
