When I first held NL.24-8362401 “Nova” in my hands, I felt a rush of excitement. He was the first pigeon born from my One Pair Barcelona Challence – a project filled with ambition, strategy, and hope. Bred from my remarkable pair Genesis x Vanguard, Nova represented potential and the promise of a bright future. His wings carried more than just feathers; they carried my dreams.
A Promising Start Last May
Nova showed promise from the very beginning. I took him on 13 training flights, from 4 to 35 kilometers. Each time, he returned confidently, finding his way back to the loft like a seasoned pro. Every successful return bolstered my confidence. This was the one. The first, the pioneer, the leader of a new era for my loft.
But sometimes, even the brightest stars fade unexpectedly.
The Disappearance
After a routine training session around the loft, Nova didn’t return. I waited. Hours turned to days, and the skies remained empty. The reality sank in: my first pigeon, the one who symbolized so much, was gone.
The sting was sharp. In the past, I had many pigeons, and losing one was just part of the numbers game. But now, with a smaller, select group, every pigeon matters more. Every feathered athlete has a place in my heart. Losing Nova felt personal, like a piece of my vision had vanished with him.
Hope and Heartache
It has now been a week since Nova disappeared. Logic tells me the chances are slim, but my heart still clings to hope. Each morning, I glance at the sky, half-expecting to see his silhouette gliding back to me. But as the days drag on, that hope fades, like a candle burning low.
This is pigeon racing. The thrill of victory, the agony of loss – they’re two sides of the same coin. And today, I’m left holding the weight of that coin in my palm.
The Challenge Continues
Nova is gone, but the dream is not. Six young pigeons bred in 2024 remain, ready to carry on where he left off. The One Pair Barcelona Challenge does not end here. I will move forward with the same determination, breeding once again from Genesis x Vanguard. They are my foundation, my hope, and my path forward.
I have removed the nesting bowls, yet the pigeons still sit together, a silent symbol of unity and resilience. In my next blog, I’ll explain why I keep them this way.
Never Give Up
The loss of Nova hurts, but giving up is not an option. In this sport, we build, we rebuild, and we dream again. The passion for pigeon racing is a fire that never dies.
So, follow along. The journey continues, the sky remains vast, and the challenge is far from over.
Yours in Pigeon Passion,
Jan de Wijs
The Real Pigeon Boss
Add comment
Comments