The official blog by Schalkwijk Pigeons
Many know me from Travipharma and Schalkwijk Pigeons. In 2022, I handed Travipharma over to new owners, and in 2024, due to my wife Katiuska’s health, I stepped away from active pigeon racing in the Netherlands. Quit altogether? Not an option. After 50 years with pigeons, it runs too deep. You can put the basket away, but the call of the pigeons never fades.
So, I chose something new: one loft races. Fresh energy, curiosity, and more freedom.
What is a one loft race?
Thousands of pigeons, one loft, the same care and training. Same wind, heat, or storms. No excuses—just the best bird wins (okay, with a bit of luck).
Why this step?
As I mentioned above, my private life played a role. I lost motivation in the Dutch pigeon sport and, frankly, I was tired of the politics and negativity around it. I wanted to get back to pure joy. For me, one loft racing is simple: you choose, you send, and you see what happens.
My experiences so far
Thirty years ago, I already tried it in Germany. My pigeon came first, but got spooked by the crowd, circled once, and ended up third. First prize: a BMW. Third prize: a bright green bicycle. Unforgettable. Try riding that around looking cool.
I also sent pigeons to Poland and Bulgaria: sometimes great, sometimes lessons, sometimes losses.
And now 2025:
Dubai: a beautiful start.
Afrika Pro (South Africa): nestmates 913 and 914 are shining with multiple top results.
Spain (Órbigo): wildfires caused delays, but our pigeons are flying well.
Slovenia: tough, many losses, results below expectations—but losses are part of the game. And there’s still one final… who knows!
My start in one loft racing
It’s a challenge because most of my pigeons are marathon-bred (children of Lady in the Dark, Goldplay, Double Barcelona, Barca Breeder, Orange Oil, Lady Richelle). Fantastic birds that brought me success but not always ideal for OLR.
So, I added reinforcements: the BriverKerk direct from Gerard & Bas Verkerk, and two speed pigeons from Belgium Speed Pigeons (Leideman strain). A deliberate pairing, bred for OLR. Not an army, but small and focused. And it’s paying off: 913 and 914 are doing fantastic at Afrika Pro.
Each race, we sit glued to the screen at home, like watching the Olympic Games. Studio Sport, but with wings.
Opportunities & challenges
Opportunities: learn from care, genetics, and training methods; gain international exposure.
Challenges: high costs, no self-control over training/feeding, risks from unknown climates. And yes, you can’t always be sure everything is 100% fair play… but let’s be honest, that’s no different from the regular sport either.
Top fanciers in one loft racing
One loft races attract the very best. Some names that consistently shine in recent years:
Helmut & Alfons Klaas (Germany): among the most successful OLR fanciers worldwide. Their pigeons win and are used as foundation breeders everywhere.
Hein Beneke (South Africa): multiple “Fancier of the Race” titles, strong in Afrika Pro and SAIPR.
Team Hans & Evert-Jan Eijerkamp (Netherlands): recent winners of the Avirings Derby Pro 2025, with strong results in Egypt as well.
Ganus Family Loft (USA): a big name, with wins in Victoria Falls, the Million Dollar Race, and Pattaya.
Umm Birka Loft (Qatar): new but strong, with final wins in Emirates OLR and Afrika Pro.
Khaled Altwaem (Kuwait): winner of Pattaya PIPR 2022 with Gold Diamond, and his “611” line keeps producing finals and Ace Pigeons.
Fun facts
The Sun City Million Dollar Race in South Africa made OLR big in the 1990s.
Today, there are over 100 OLRs worldwide each year.
China leads the way—sometimes with over 20,000 pigeons in one race.
A top OLR pigeon can instantly be worth thousands as a breeder.
And yes… sometimes the 3rd prize is a bicycle (I know that feeling).
To wrap up
One loft racing gives me freedom, energy, and a fresh perspective. I keep learning about care, performance, and genetics. For now, I’m simply enjoying this adventure and sharing my stories, wins, losses, and a touch of humor.
And that bright green bike? Unforgettable.
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram, and at www.schalkwijkpigeons.nl
Until the next blog,
Gerard Schalkwijk