Anyone following the pigeon racing sport knows that the real test lies within the marathon races. That thrilling moment when a marathon pigeon drops out of the sky after hundreds of tough kilometers, that is what every enthusiast lives for. In Lopik, Netherlands, the lofts of Gerard Schalkwijk, Katiuska, and Maxime have been built on that exact same passion for over fifty years. Their strategy is clear: combining proven genetics with peak health, focusing strongly on international One Loft Races, and breeding high-caliber marathon pigeons that deliver top performance across other lofts worldwide.
In recent weeks, several fanciers achieved remarkable results with pigeons carrying Schalkwijk Pigeons bloodlines. It is inspiring to see how these foundational breeding lines continuously prove their worth on domestic and international racing stages.
Standout Marathon References of the Season
The recent long-distance racing season delivered outstanding achievements for fellow fanciers competing in prestigious national and international classics.
Team Pieper Shines on Barcelona International
A huge congratulations to Team Pieper. They basketed their blue chequer hen Lisa (NL22-8265042 V) for the ultimate marathon endurance test of the year: Barcelona. Competing against a fierce international field, Lisa proved her top-class capabilities, securing 42nd National against 5,057 pigeons and 46th International against 16,278 pigeons.
Geert de Coninck Claims 1st Provincial Over 1,085 Kilometers
Phenomenal news arrived from Belgium. Geert de Coninck put on a masterclass performance over a punishing distance of 1,085 kilometers. His dark hen Cloe (B22-4185181 V) claimed 1st Provincial and earned a stellar 4th National Barcelona. Cloe carries 50 percent Schalkwijk blood through her sire, Inbred Orange Oil 44 (NL21-1025244 M). This cock stems from an inbred brother-sister pairing to Goldplay (famous for winning 1st National Périgueux with a legendary night arrival) and directly traces back to icons like Barca King and Orange Oil.
Podium Finish at Narbonne for Sven and Wim van Houten
Father and son duo Sven and Wim van Houten delivered a masterclass at National Narbonne. With meticulous preparation, they captured an outstanding 3rd National Narbonne. The trademark tenacity and grit of the Lopik bloodlines clearly paid off once again on this demanding race.
Rik Ros Scores Big at Bergerac with Surprise
In Lekkerkerk, top fancier Rik Ros demonstrated how elite breeding stock converts directly into race-day triumph. His hen Surprise lived up to her name, fighting her way to 7th NPO Bergerac against 3,411 pigeons. In the massive national field of 24,970 pigeons, she sealed a impressive 51st National position.
A Proven Genetic Foundation
For Gerard Schalkwijk and his family, seeing fellow racing pigeon enthusiasts achieve major victories remains the ultimate validation of their breeding loft. Foundation breeders such as Orange Oil (former Best European Barcelona Pigeon), Lady Richelle, and Lady in the Dark have established a dynasty of marathon pigeons known for their determination. These birds possess sharp orientation skills and the willpower to keep flying through dusk, adverse conditions, and tough headwinds.
With an eye on the future and a sharp focus on international One Loft Races, the marathon racing scene remains as dynamic as ever. These race references demonstrate that breeding for health, endurance, and character produces winning results across the globe.
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
