On Saturday, May 10th, 2025, the skies above Brabant turned electric as 11,781 pigeons were released from Nanteuil (Chevrainvilliers) at 07:45 AM for a mid-distance race of approximately 353 kilometers. With clear skies, a mild eastern breeze, and warm spring weather, conditions were ideal for a fair yet competitive race.
And when the clocks rang, Leon van Hintum from Berghem emerged as the standout name of the day.
A Victory Etched in Class
Clocking a top speed of 1306.611 meters per minute, Leon’s leading pigeon touched down at 12:15:34 PM, securing 1st place against 11,781 birds in Afdeling 3 Oost-Brabant. But this win wasn’t an isolated success. Leon’s team achieved an astonishing 92.3% prize rate, with 24 prizes from 26 birds entered.
And the depth of quality was undeniable, with additional positions at 72, 176, 248, 250, 254, 264, 291, 343, 356, 430, 494, 495, and 572. A truly breathtaking result that left no room for doubt: this was the work of a master fancier.
Consistent Brilliance Across the Seasons
Leon van Hintum is a name that resonates throughout the Dutch pigeon sport — not just because of one great result, but because of relentless excellence season after season. He’s not a one-race wonder. He is 2x consecutive “Grootmeester” of Afdeling 3 Oost-Brabant in 2025, a title earned through unwavering dominance and consistency.
Here are just some highlights from his recent race performances:
CC Oss Victories
1st CC Oss Chimay vs 405 birds – 2023
1st CC Oss Chimay vs 304 birds – 2023
2nd & 4th CC Oss Morlincourt vs 746 birds – 2023
5th & 8th CC Oss Nanteuil vs 1,375 birds – 2023
3rd CC Oss Nanteuil vs 2,026 birds – 2023
1st CC Oss Mettet vs 464 birds – 2024
1st CC Oss Laon vs 212 birds – 2024
1st CC Oss Dizy-le-Gros vs 2,567 birds – 2025
1st CC Oss Chevrainvilliers vs 2,299 birds – 2025
1st CC Oss Chevrainvilliers vs 2,069 birds – 2025
Afdeling 3 Oost-Brabant Top Results
1st & 72nd Chevrainvilliers vs 11,781 birds – 2025
3rd, 6th, and 35th Dizy-le-Gros vs 14,426 birds – 2025
12th, 47th, 80th, 85th, and more Chevrainvilliers vs 11,948 birds – 2025
13th Morlincourt vs 4,606 birds – 2025
20th Laon vs 3,116 birds – 2025
23rd Sens vs 4,526 birds – 2024
25th Laon vs 6,275 birds – 2024
36th Morlincourt vs 6,644 birds – 2024
64th Dizy-le-Gros vs 15,389 birds – 2024
This is a record of not only winning — but dominating.
Built on Friendship and Foundation
Leon’s story begins and thrives in Berghem, where he developed a champion colony based on select bloodlines from:
Huub Hermans
Ad Schaerlaeckens
Comb. van Heteren
Dirk van den Bulck
Alwin Petri
Comb. Lokhorst
With these pillars, he has created a true all-round strain, capable of winning across all distances — from sprint to one-day long distance.
A key factor in his journey is his trusted friendship with Huub Hermans. More than just a source of quality pigeons, Huub has been a confidant and sounding board. Their shared love for the sport, and Huub’s influence in Leon’s breeding loft, is clearly reflected in the results. Together, they show that in pigeon racing, loyalty and collaboration breed greatness.
A Beacon for Every Fancier
Leon van Hintum is a shining example of what’s possible when passion meets patience and planning. He doesn’t chase headlines — he builds a legacy. His philosophy is simple: select smart, breed your own, trust your system, and care for your birds with heart.
And the results? They speak for themselves. Race after race. Year after year.
Leon van Hintum – Champion of Nanteuil, Double Grootmeester of Afdeling 3, and a true ambassador for our sport.
“Real champions aren’t bought — they’re built. One generation at a time.”
Until the next blog,
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss