The Final Monesterio 500 km of Derby Ribera del Orbigo 2025 took off on October 11 at 09:00 AM from Monesterio. A classic 500-kilometer challenge under perfect racing conditions — clear skies, a light headwind, and fierce competition from across Europe. With fanciers from Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Morocco and more… the race quickly turned into a high-speed battle decided by mere seconds. The winner, Ismael Fernández (ESP 245070), clocked at 1196.36 m/min, just ahead of Adrián, Valeria y Salvador and Daniel Fernández.
Dutch excellence: Schalkwijk Pigeons shines bright
Amid this world-class field, Schalkwijk Pigeons.nl delivered an outstanding team performance. Two pigeons finishing inside the Top 10 (6th and 7th place) confirmed their consistency and breeding depth. Their first arrival (NL 1380600) recorded 1195.56 m/min, just 16 seconds behind the winner — a razor-sharp performance. The second pigeon (NL 1380504) followed immediately with 1195.49 m/min, proving that quality runs deep in this Dutch loft.
The standout performer: NL.25-1380600 – precision bred for performance!
The spotlight within the Schalkwijk team belongs to NL.25-1380600, a pigeon that not only secured 6th place in the Final Monesterio 500 km but also finished as 17th Ace Pigeon overall in the 2025 Derby Ribera del Orbigo series. This exceptional bird carries the unmistakable hallmark of Gerard Schalkwijk’s breeding program — a blend of power, intelligence, and balance.
Bred from proven lines such as Bulls Eye, Nikkie and New Olympic Solange, this pigeon represents the perfect fusion of speed and reliability. The bloodlines trace back to national performers from G & S. Verkerk, Tom Van Gaver, and the strong Brinkmann base, combining Dutch precision with continental toughness.
Its steady performances throughout the season and decisive arrival in the 500 km final prove it’s not just a fast pigeon — it’s a complete athlete, a racer that thrives when it matters most.
NL.25-1380504 – bred for speed, built for the finish
Right behind its loftmate came NL.25-1380504, securing 7th place in the 500 km final and proving once again that excellence runs deep in the Schalkwijk loft. Bred from the line of Orange Oil and New Euro, this pigeon carries the genes of pure velocity.
The bloodline combines Dutch structure and Belgian explosiveness, with roots linked to top national racers and descendants of Gerard’s base and Olympiad lines known for their sprint endurance and competitive spirit. This genetic foundation translates directly into performance — sharp orientation, relentless drive, and the ability to hold speed under pressure.
NL.25-1380504 may have finished a few seconds behind its loftmate, but together they showcased the true depth and breeding precision of SchalkwijkPigeons.nl.
A mark of strength, strategy, and structure
While many fanciers celebrate a single highlight, Schalkwijk Pigeons stands out through consistency and preparation. Their dual top-ten finish underlines the value of world-class breeding and meticulous care. Once again, Dutch Racing Pigeons demonstrate that they can compete head-to-head with the strongest from Southern Europe.
Respect to the winner – applause for Schalkwijk Pigeons
Yes, Ismael Fernández rightfully takes the official win — but Schalkwijk Pigeons stole the spotlight with the most consistent team performance of the day. Their birds showed the perfect mix of speed, stamina, and mental toughness, hallmarks of true international champions.
Conclusion: The Dutch are coming
The Final Monesterio 500 km will be remembered as one of the most balanced and thrilling finals of the 2025 season. Spain took gold, but the Netherlands made a statement: Schalkwijk Pigeons is here to stay — a true powerhouse in the world of One Loft Racing. A performance worthy of every fancier’s respect, and one the Pigeon Boss proudly salutes.
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss