Pigeon racing is beautiful because of the early prizes, the adrenaline of a marathon race, and the gold in the breeding lofts. But anyone who is truly deep into the sport knows that the greatest reward often doesn’t hang in the sky, but stands right there on the ground. It lies in the friendships that grow between fanciers, experiencing the thrill together, and sharing a mutual passion. For the Schalkwijk family in Lopik, this is the absolute core of how they experience the sport.
From Taiwan to Lopik
The passion for pigeons knows no national borders or language barriers. Last Saturday, that international sense of togetherness became beautifully tangible at the loft once again. Renowned fancier Chris Lai, who has been visiting the loft for several years and is a huge fan of the Schalkwijk birds, brought a very special guest to Midden-Nederland. He was accompanied by Mr. Wu Chong Rong, a grand champion from Taiwan, for a special visit to Schalkwijk Pigeons. It became an afternoon where time stood still and the shared love for the marathon pigeon took center stage.
It is fascinating to see how two worlds, geographically so far apart, instantly blend together the moment a pigeon is held in the hand. Meeting Mr. Wu Chong Rong and Chris Lai was not just a business appointment; it was a gathering of like-minded souls who speak the exact same language: the language of pigeon racing.
Blown Away by Europe’s Best
During the visit, the Taiwanese grand champion was completely blown away by the legendary racing and breeding icon Orange Oil and her descendants. Mr. Wu Chong Rong was visibly overwhelmed by the quality on display. The phenomenal body structure, the silky-soft plumage, and the unique eyes with their incredible depth of color and sheer vitality were unlike anything he had seen before, a truly unprecedented standard according to the master breeder.
Enjoying the Sport Together is the True Win
Within the Schalkwijk family, where Gerard, along with his wife Katiuska and daughter Maxime, works with the pigeons daily, enjoying the sport together is paramount. After all, pigeon racing is far too beautiful to experience alone in a vacuum.
“Moments like these show how pigeons connect people from all over the world!!”
Whether it is a neighbor looking over the fence or top fanciers from Asia traveling to Lopik, pigeons connect people. You share the excitement of the race, the hope for that one top pigeon, and the admiration for the rock-solid genetics of the marathon champions. It is precisely these encounters and friendships that give the sport its shine. They create memories that linger long after the last pigeon of a race has been clocked.
The Foundation for Success
It is no coincidence, of course, that international guests find their way to the Schalkwijk family. With a rock-solid foundation of genetics, spearheaded by Orange Oil, who was crowned Best Barcelona Pigeon of Europe (’17 ’18 ’19), the loft commands worldwide attention.
Under the banner of Schalkwijk Pigeons, fifty years of experience is combined with modern insights and a sharp focus on One Loft Races. Yet, no matter how professional the approach to genetics and vitality may be, sporting pride is only truly complete when it can be shared with friends from all corners of the world.
Pigeon racing is alive, innovative, and above all, a sport of and for friends. With their eyes fixed on the future, the Schalkwijk family continues to build a place where top-tier sport and genuine friendship go hand in hand. Because winning is great, but winning and enjoying it together is even better. These kinds of international meetings prove that time and again.
Want to experience the passion yourself, take your performances to the next level, or just talk strategy about modern pigeon racing? The coffee is always ready in Lopik.
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
