Some fanciers win races, but others create lasting legacies. Jay Lissenberg certainly belongs to the latter group. Without any fanfare or boastful declarations, Jay has meticulously built a pigeon line that grows stronger with each passing year. 2025 marked the culmination of his efforts, positioning Utrecht as a key player in the world of international long-distance pigeon racing.
This is the story of the loft, its origins, system, and achievements, narrated from the perspective of Pigeon Boss.
From Foundation to Vision
Jay was introduced to the sport by his father, and it was not an immediate success. His passion lay not in fleeting victories but in the classics where endurance and selection prevail. Races like Cahors, St. Vincent, Pau, and Barcelona require resilience from both pigeons and fanciers.
Around 2004 to 2005, Jay established himself in Utrecht. This wasn’t a drastic change but a deliberate choice for more focus and less distraction. His ambition was clear and unwavering: to develop a marathon colony that peaks consistently without faltering. Patience became the bedrock, and selection the driving force.
The Team and the Serenity of the Loft
Mention Jay, and you must also mention Kitty Stevens. Together, they form a steadfast partnership at the loft, with well-defined roles and decisions made thoughtfully. In marathon racing, calmness is essential. Observation trumps rigid schedules; health takes precedence over mere planning.
This collaboration translates into stability. Pigeons are not hurried; they are nurtured. They aren’t worn out but carefully conditioned. While this approach may not garner much online attention, it certainly reflects in the race results.
An Unyielding System
Jay’s system is straightforward and consistent. Pigeons are only entered in races when they’re ready, with health taking priority over schedules. Training is purposeful and efficient. There’s no excess, just a foundation of rest and regularity.
Pigeons that aren’t fully prepared stay home. It may seem cautious, but in reality, it’s a long-term strategy. Those who start fresh have an edge from the outset. This discipline is no accident, it’s the outcome of years of observation, adjustment, and the courage to say no.
Performances That Define the Narrative
The numbers tell the story.
In 2016, Jay clinched a victory at Cahors in the Noordelijke Unie, an early indicator of his loft’s strength in enduring classics.
In 2018, St. Vincent followed, reinforcing his success. The trajectory was set, and it didn’t falter.
In 2021, Jay Lissenberg claimed the Golden Pigeon title in the International Extreme Long Distance category. Not a single highlight, but a class victory built on consistency at the highest marathon level.
Then came 2025, the year when everything aligned.
At Stichting Marathon Noord, Jay made history by becoming the champion of both the morning and afternoon releases in the same year. Pau, Barcelona, Perpignan on one side; St. Vincent, Cahors, Bergerac on the other. Two disciplines, each with distinct challenges, both mastered by one loft.
Bergerac 2025 was a statement. With over twenty thousand pigeons nationwide, Jay’s stood out early. First at Marathon Noord, achieving a top national position. This victory wasn’t an isolated event but the culmination of a season where the same pigeon consistently excelled. This was more than winning a race; it was mastering a season.
The Ultimate Triumph in 2025
Beyond national dominance, 2025 also brought international recognition.
Gouden Duif Competition | International Extreme Long Distance Winner 2025 | Jay Lissenberg, Utrecht (NL)
This accolade wasn’t for a single exceptional flight but for consistent performance across multiple extreme long-distance races against Europe’s elite. Only fanciers with pigeons that thrive under intense pressure are contenders. With this title, Jay Lissenberg firmly cemented his place among the international marathon elite. His system prevailed, even on the grandest stage.
Why Jay Lissenberg Matters
Jay isn’t a purveyor of dreams; he’s a craftsman of reality. His strength lies in discipline, consistency, and the courage to defy convention. In a sport where pigeons are often bred indiscriminately, he demonstrates that substance always outshines quantity.
For modern pigeon racing, this is a clear message: less blind entry, more responsibility, less noise, more quality.
Why Pigeon Boss Shares This Story
Pigeon Boss doesn’t chase trends; it follows performance. 2025 was Jay Lissenberg’s year. This is a story that deserves to be told, a chapter that sets a new standard.
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
