In the world of pigeon racing, some fanciers win, while others leave a lasting legacy. Bram ten Klei clearly belongs to the latter. Last weekend, he proved once again that success in Zuidoostbeemster is no coincidence, but the result of relentless dedication and a razor-sharp system.
An Unprecedented Streak from Duffel
The results from this week speak volumes about the current form of the Ten Klei colony. Competing in Kring 2 of Section 6 against a massive field of 3,202 pigeons, the outcome was a display of pure class:
Bram’s pigeons claimed the first four spots in the overall rankings.
The first three birds were clocked at the exact same second (10:15:23), highlighting their incredible drive to reach the loft together.
Out of 36 pigeons entered, 34 won prizes. That is a prize percentage of over 94%.
Nine of his pigeons finished in the top 31 of the entire Kring.
Statistics like these are rare and indicate a colony in peak condition. It is a performance that sets a very high bar for the rest of the season.
Passion Rooted in a Chance Encounter
Bram’s journey began with a simple moment of compassion. As an eight-year-old boy, he found an injured pigeon on his parents’ farm. Although the bird did not survive, the spark for the sport was lit. His grandfather recognized this interest and built Bram’s very first loft. Forty years later, Bram is not only a top-tier competitor but also the respected chairman of PV BEP in Purmerend. During the club’s 101st anniversary in 2023, he was a driving force behind the celebrations.
A System Built on Efficiency and Focus
Bram proves that you don’t need hundreds of pigeons to reach the top. His method is based on quality over quantity and a tight schedule that balances his career and family life.
He races exclusively with hens on traditional widowhood.
The birds train once a day and are kept on floor grids to ensure optimal hygiene.
Rest and regularity are the foundation, as Bram views pigeon racing as the ultimate way to unwind after a busy workday.
A Pedigree of National Caliber
Those who have followed previous coverage of the Bram ten Klei phenomenon know he has been a consistent force for years. However, 2025 was a definitive highlight, with results that gained national attention:
2nd National NPO Loft Champion Vitesse (unnominated).
4th National NPO Loft Champion Youngsters (nominated).
1st Champion Middle Distance and 1st Champion Youngsters in the entire Section 6 North Holland.
These titles are backed by exceptional bloodlines. His loft is built on the lines of icons such as Leo Heremans and Willem de Bruijn, supplemented with the best from regional champions. The value of these genetics is proven by numerous references. Fellow club member Gerard Timmer recently stated that his own best performances are directly linked to pigeons he received from Bram. Furthermore, Ten Klei pigeons are regular prize winners in international One Loft Races, such as the AviRings in Slovenia.
With the Duffel result still fresh in our minds, it is clear that Bram ten Klei remains a formidable force in 2026. He combines sportsmanship with an unparalleled level of craft, making him a true ambassador for the sport.
Do you have a strategy to keep up with these birds, or are you simply enjoying the masterclass? Let us know in the comments.
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
