Listen up, because in the world of racing pigeons, you have those who dream and those who dominate. Gerard Schalkwijk? He is a winner through and through who has been defying the odds and the competition for fifty years. While others might be content to sit back in their breeding lofts, Gerard is shifting into a higher gear. The result is a revolution under the banner of Schalkwijk Pigeons that is currently sending shockwaves across the globe.
The Undisputed Queen: Orange Oil
Let us get straight to the point. If you are talking about character, endurance, and pure class, you are talking about Orange Oil (NL.13 1019603). This blue check hen is no ordinary bird: she is a living legend who imposed her will on Barcelona for three consecutive years.
She was crowned the Best International Barcelona Ace Pigeon over the years 2017, 2018, and 2019. You do not achieve that by accident. You only do that if you are carved from the very best wood. Just look at her record and try not to be impressed:
Race | Result | Level | Year |
Barcelona | 28th | National | 2018 |
Barcelona | 41st | National | 2019 |
Barcelona | 56th | National | 2017 |
Orange S3 | 20th | National | 2015 |
Her genes are now worth their weight in gold. She is the proud mother of Goldplay, the powerhouse that claimed 1st National Périgueux against no fewer than 11,146 birds. That is the raw power of Schalkwijk Pigeons: winning is simply in the blood.
The Strategic Shift: From Marathon to One Loft Race Dominance
Some people thought Gerard might take it easy after handing over his life’s work, Travipharma, in 2022. They were dead wrong. Although he paused active racing in the Netherlands in 2024 to support his wife Katiuska, the fire burns brighter than ever. Gerard has now set his sights entirely on One Loft Races (OLR).
Why? Because that is where the real battle happens. One loft, the same care, and absolutely no excuses. It is the ultimate test for the modern elite pigeon. And Gerard does it with true bravado. He crosses his ironclad marathon lines of Orange Oil and Lady Richelle with absolute speed sensations from Gerard and Bas Verkerk as well as the Leideman lines via Belgium Speed Pigeons.
Global Success and the Infamous Green Bicycle
The results of this masterclass strategy did not take long to arrive. In the grueling competition of Afrika Pro, the nestmates 913 and 914 are currently showing what “Schalkwijk Power” truly means with one top ranking after another. In Dubai and Spain, the name Schalkwijk Pigeons is also spoken with deep respect.
And let us be honest: Gerard does everything with a smile. He still loves to tell the story from thirty years ago, when his bird arrived first at an OLR in Germany but refused to land because of the crowd. Instead of a luxury BMW, he went home with a bright green bicycle as a consolation prize. Gerard laughs about it now, because these days he is winning the prizes that truly matter.
The Future is Now
The message for the fans and followers is simple: if you do not innovate, you stand still. Schalkwijk Pigeons represents the future of our sport. By combining decades of experience, the best genetics in the world, and a modern vision on health and care, Gerard Schalkwijk is showing everyone how to reach the summit.
Whether it is through coaching, sharing knowledge, or simply demonstrating how to win on the biggest stages in the world: Gerard is the man making pigeon racing exciting again. Join the revolution and watch how the legacy of Orange Oil conquers the world. Because at Schalkwijk Pigeons, we do not just fly to participate: we fly to win.
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
Questions? Contact Gerard...
