In the international pigeon racing scene, the name Van Laere Pigeons commands immediate respect. In the East Flemish village of Kruisem (formerly Kruishoutem), Stijn and José Van Laere have built an empire founded on one simple principle: winning. Not just placing, but completely dominating the competition until they own the entire result sheet.
The Foundation: Pigeons That Shaped History
Behind every legendary loft are iconic stock birds. For the Van Laere family, these aren’t just names on a pedigree; they are flying machines that have redefined the genetics of modern middle-distance racing.
The Legend: Bender (BE11-4220607)
You cannot write about the Van Laere success story without mentioning Bender. In 2012, this phenomenal bird became the 1st National Ace Pigeon Great Middle Distance KBDB. His track record is the stuff of legends:
1st Interprovincial Orléans (3,305 birds)
1st Interprovincial Pont St. Maxence (4,033 birds)
1st Angerville (2,735 birds)
Bender was the perfect fusion of the old, iron-strong Imbrecht line (via grandfather Roger) and an unprecedented will to win. Today, his blood still runs like a golden thread through the entire colony.
The Modern Injection: Leo Heremans Blood
Stijn understood that standing still means falling behind. He secured the best of Leo Heremans (lines of Bolt, Nieuwe Olympiade, and Roeper). These pigeons provided the “turbo boost” needed to crush the competition in sprint and shorter middle-distance races.
A Record of Unparalleled Dominance
The trophy cabinet in Kruisem is overflowing. It’s not just the quantity of prizes, but the prestige of the titles that sets them apart.
National & International Titles:
1st National Champion Youth KBDB (2011 & 2012)
1st National Ace Pigeon Great Middle Distance KBDB (2012)
1st Olympiad Bird Nitra 2013 (Category G)
1st Olympiad Bird Ostend 2007 (with ‘Rivendel’, Cat. B)
Provincial Supremacy (PE East Flanders):
In Belgium’s most competitive province, the Van Laeres are the undisputed masters.
2024-2025: 1st Provincial Champion Sprint Old & Yearlings.
2025: 3rd General Provincial Champion (all disciplines).
Latest Masterclass: BE22-4099338 won 1st Provincial Orléans against a massive 7,142 birds. This same bird was crowned 3rd Provincial Ace Pigeon Shorter Middle Distance in 2025.
The System: Why Van Laere Pigeons Are Different
Step into Stijn’s lofts and you immediately notice laboratory-level precision. As a professional lab technician, he leaves absolutely nothing to chance.
Ruthless Selection: In Kruisem, only the first prize counts. A pigeon that finishes in the top 10% ten times but never wins will struggle to stay on the team. “We breed winners, not participants,” is the motto.
The ‘Bells’ of Kruisem: A unique innovation. Stijn’s pigeons wear small bells to ward off birds of prey. It has become a symbol of his unconventional but highly effective approach to the sport.
The Signature “Chain Results”: In 2022 alone, the loft secured 81 pure first prizes. It is common practice for Van Laere Pigeons to occupy the first 10, 15, or even 20 positions in a single race.
The Future: The Voice of the Fancier
Stijn Van Laere has also become a heavyweight in pigeon politics. With a landslide victory of over 61% of the votes, he was elected to the provincial KBDB committee. He fights for the “little guy,” advocating for fair racing zones and cutting through the red tape that often stifles the sport.
Conclusion: Van Laere Pigeons are more than just fast birds; they are the result of a decades-long vision, ruthless selection, and a heart that beats for the sport. Whether it’s sprinting, middle distance, or governing the KBDB, the bar in Kruisem is always set to the highest possible level.
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
