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 verified interprovincial track record includes:
1st Interprovincial Tours (2,533 birds)
1st Interprovincial Blois (1,636 birds)
3rd Interprovincial Blois (1,142 birds)
7th Interprovincial Tours (3,634 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 Speed Demon: De Generaal (BE04-4151538)
The ultimate patriarch. De Generaal won 11 pure first prizes himself and proved that Van Laere Pigeons pass down speed, orientation, and competitive instinct over multiple generations. As the grandfather of Bender, he forms the genetic backbone of countless later champions.
The Modern Injection: Leo Heremans Blood
Stijn understood that standing still means falling behind. Strategic reinforcements were made with carefully selected Leo Heremans bloodlines, specifically from the Bolt, Nieuwe Rossi (via Eenoogske, Jan), Olympiade, and Olympic Sperwer lines.
No pigeons were acquired from the Nieuwe Olympiade or Roeper lines.
These Heremans-derived pigeons provided the necessary “turbo boost” to dominate sprint and shorter middle-distance races while preserving the loft’s original identity.
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’, Category B)
Provincial Supremacy (PE East Flanders)
In Belgium’s most competitive province, the Van Laeres are established front-runners.
2025: 1st Provincial Champion Speed Old
2025: 1st Provincial Champion Speed Yearlings
Latest masterclass:
BE22-4095338 won 1st Provincial Orléans against 7,142 birds.
That same pigeon was crowned 3rd Provincial Ace Pigeon Shorter Middle Distance (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 truly 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 guiding principle.
The “Bells” of Kruisem
A distinctive and unconventional approach: small bells are fitted to the pigeons to help deter birds of prey. This method has become a recognizable symbol of the Van Laere system.
The Signature “Chain Results”
Pure dominance expressed in numbers of victories:
2022: 81 first prizes
2023: 87 first prizes
2024: 98 first prizes
2025: 81 first prizes
It is common practice for Van Laere Pigeons to occupy the first 10, 15, or even 20 positions in a single race.
Conclusion
Van Laere Pigeons are more than just fast birds; they are the result of a decades-long vision, ruthless selection, and unwavering dedication to the sport. Whether it’s sprinting or middle-distance racing, the standard in Kruisem remains uncompromisingly high.
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
