Our agent for Belgium (Flanders) and the Netherlands, is Dominique Velghe. Dominique is 54 years, married, and has three children. He started pigeon racing at the age of 12 years.
You seem to, personally, know a lot of famous pigeon fanciers in Belgium and the Netherlands?
Yes, I started pigeon photography in 2002 and was the photographer of all the important pigeon websites in Belgium and the Netherlands. In those years, I did not have time anymore for pigeon racing, but I got to know all the best fanciers of Belgium and the Netherlands.
What was your biggest success as a fancier?
In 2018 I stopped pigeon photography and started with a new pigeon breeding loft. I was very successful in the One Million Dollar Race.
What are your secrets for successful breeding?
Most importantly, you must have high-quality, vital, and healthy breeding pigeons. You will find in my breeding loft the best strains of sprint pigeons in Belgium, such as the Best Kittel family of the PIPA Breeding loft.
For me, success starts with the ‘egg’. The breeders must be in perfect condition when you pair them in the winter. Fanciers tend to forget that breeders need to be very healthy and strong when they breed. That is the first step to success.
I also give the cocks another hen every winter.
What do you think about the Dubai One Loft Pigeon Race?
I have an excellent feeling about this OLR. Already many Belgian fanciers have committed to joining the race, including some of the biggest breeding lofts in Belgium and Holland.
This race is a perfect way to test your youngsters at an affordable price. The fact that you get 11 events makes it good to test your young pigeons and assess the quality of the breeders.
But, I think, the Dubai One Loft Pigeon Race will be more challenging than most think. I will also send some teams myself to test my new breeding pigeons.
Do you have any advice for fanciers willing to participate in One Loft Races?
You need to send very healthily, young (+/- 40 days old) birds that are easy to handle. If possible, you must vaccinate them against Paramyxo, Rota, and Herpes. That way, the youngsters will have a good start.
Finally, I wish all fanciers and the organization a fantastic successful race. I hope to be there for the final race in February.
