Van Tilburg Pigeons: A Legend in Racing History

Some stories in pigeon racing go far beyond victory. They become legends, told and retold by fanciers who recognize greatness when they see it.

This is one of those stories.

The name van Tilburg Pigeons from Nieuw Vennep now stands for something almost mythical. The same pigeon that won 1st SMN Barcelona and 10th National Barcelona in 2023, scored 26^th SMN and 172th National in 2024. Now in 2025 she has done it again! This time winning 1st SMN Barcelona and 2nd National Barcelona. A result so rare that it demands respect from the entire long-distance world.

The queen of Barcelona

Her ring number is NL.00-1376661, but everyone now knows her as “Miss Immortal”. In 2023 she stunned the nation with her courage and endurance, returning home from Barcelona in blistering heat to claim a famous victory. Many thought that would be her crowning moment.

But true greatness never fades.

One year later, in Barcelona 2025, under brutal conditions with 30 degrees and constant headwind, she rose again. After more than 1,200 kilometers, she arrived home at 11:01:07, flying at 949 meters per minute, far ahead of the rest. It was not just another win, it was confirmation of immortality.

“Miss Immortal” (NL 20-1376661 V) – European Class from Van Tilburg

This outstanding blue hen from the Combinatie van Tilburg loft descends directly from the famous Immortal line — one of Europe’s most proven bloodlines for the tough ZLU races. Miss Immortal herself already confirmed her pedigree with performances such as 1006th Nat. Barcelona ZLU ’23 (4820 d.), 234th Nat. Marseille ZLU ’23 (3380 d.), 282nd Nat. Agen ZLU ’21 (6084 d.), and 356th Nat. Narbonne ZLU ’21 (8180 d.), ranking 71st in the PIPA Ranking and being crowned the Best European Yearling 2021.

Her sire “Immortal” (NL 17-1141369) was crowned Best European Yearling on the ZLU races and 2nd Best Dutch Bird WHZB/TBOTB 2018, with top prizes from Narbonne, Agen, and St. Vincent. He is a son of D. Pennings’ elite breeding pair — with bloodlines of “de Mancke”, “Ringo”, and “De Scherpe”.

Her dam (NL 14-1814243 V) originates from J.W. Schreurs, directly from the breeding loft. She is responsible for several top performers including Miss Immortal herself and carries the trusted long-distance genes from Leo Kouters and D. Pennings, the same family that produced international champions on Barcelona and Narbonne.

With her proven results and a pedigree loaded with class and stamina, Miss Immortal represents the modern Van Tilburg Marathon type — beauty, heart, and the will to finish where others give up.

The men behind the magic

Behind this wonder stands the father-and-son team Richard and Wesley van Tilburg. Their small but perfectly run loft in Nieuw Vennep has become a model of dedication and balance. They have spent years building their system around trust, calmness, and total commitment to the marathon races that test both fancier and bird.

Their approach is based on nest racing, a method that creates natural motivation and emotional strength. Their bloodlines, with influences from Dirk Pennings and Jan Schreurs, are carefully chosen for stamina and heart. Every detail matters. Every pigeon is treated like an athlete.

A story that defines the sport

To win Barcelona once is a dream that many chase their entire lives. To win it twice, with the same pigeon, against the strongest competition in Europe, is something truly extraordinary.

This is not about luck. This is about mastery. It is about the special connection between a fancier and his pigeon, built through patience, care, and respect. van Tilburg Pigeons have proven that real class lasts. The Barcelona Queen has proven that legends can fly.

Pigeon Boss Approved

At Pigeon Boss, we have seen champions come and go. But what van Tilburg Pigeons achieved in 2025 will be remembered for decades. The Barcelona Queen is more than a winner. She is a symbol of resilience, loyalty, and the unbreakable Dutch spirit that defines the true marathon racer.