The sympathizing father-son combination from Neeroeteren (Maaseik) has clearly had a very successful year... for a team that only started a few years ago, these results are dizzying. These will be further described. Tony, who recently turned 72, obviously has a background in pigeon racing... he knows the tricks of the trade. Steve, a former cyclist with impressive results against later professionals, also caught the racing bug after his cycling career, and thus the restart gradually took shape...
Tony previously achieved excellent results in the heavy long-distance races in the Olijftak of Maaseik, also at the provincial level. Some notable past results included 3rd and 5th provincial Pau (both from the renowned “252”), 3rd, 5th, and 8th Narbonne provincial yearlings, etc.
He had an Olympian pigeon with “den 252/82” at Dortmund in 1987; this ace flew 8/8 in races over 700 km. From this line, Albert Willems (Maasmechelen) performed very well in the heavy long-distance flights; also, Jean and Gerry Conaert (Dilsen-Stokkem) excelled with a daughter from “den 252,” from which they bred several good long-distance pigeons.
But when son Steve started racing, the combination became challenging, and Tony took care of transportation throughout the country, leading to an end to pigeon racing. Steve jokingly said, “I almost became a pro,” yet I can confirm he achieved respectable results because “the race” is something I also enjoy. However, in cycling, there were already many medical and other factors involved, even proposals for not-so-pure practices for the body... So, it was no longer suitable for father and son in cycling, which is understandable as health always comes first...
In 2021 (yes, just 3 years ago), they started again with pigeons. The arrangement was that Steve would take the pigeons to the loft, and Tony would take care of their care. So it happened, Steve manages the entries and keeps records, while Tony looks after the care... a nice division of responsibilities. You can really tell there's a good “vibe” between father and son, both are real sports enthusiasts in every aspect... just the way I like them. And yes, when you listen to Tony talk, you hear experience, knowledge, and skill... “a fine fancier,” as we say. He masters the craft, and Steve can certainly grow into it... it's beautiful to experience this sport together.
In 2020, they acquired some late young birds from Hok Rommelaere, and in '21 they got late youngsters from Jeroen Van Heumen (NL), which were put directly into breeding (about 15). They also obtained some young females from Roosen (Bocholt) in '21. In 2022 and 2023, they crossed the border to our neighbors in Stein and Urmond, namely the combination Smeets-Penris (NL), where they obtained 10 young birds for breeding from their best lines, including Avatar, Benny Batman, and Gigi. Tony says, “I only want direct descendants from the 'good'; otherwise, I don't want them!” And he is absolutely right.
At present, their loft consists of 70% pigeons from Jeroen Van Heumen (NL), supplemented mainly with Smeets-Penris pigeons, a touch of Jacobs (NL), and some Zwiers F. (NL).
This year they won the 1st Provincial Marseille with “Otto” (5083961/21), which also became the 8th national and 31st international in the classic from Marseille. This male is 100% a Jeroen Van Heumen pigeon, coming from a daughter of “De Mitchell” (9th Nat. Narbonne, 7th Nat. Agen). This race was won in Limburg with an impressive lead of 1.5 hours.
There was also “De Nox” (5045890/23), which flew the 2nd provincial Agen (yearling), 1st nat. zone C, 18th Nat., and 33rd International. On the father’s side, it’s again Jeroen Van Heumen, and on the mother’s side, we see a daughter of “Gigi” (1st International yearling Marseille) of Smeets-Penris from Stein (NL).
Another top bird from the Stoffels loft is “Cooper” (5120494/21), a male that flew the 3rd provincial Agen (old), also 27th national. This ace also flew the 11th provincial Marseille (65th national). This is again 100% Jeroen Van Heumen (NL). He is a full brother of “Otto” (1st provincial Marseille '24).
Impressive performances of just 2024:
Pau provincial: 6-15-64-81-103 (312 pigeons), with 8 sent from their loft.
Agen provincial (old): 3-30-36-41-75-155-178 (7/10) (568 pigeons)
Agen national begins with the 27th and international a 55th spot.
Agen provincial (yearling): 2-12-38-41-50-59-115-135-168-176-180 (558 yearlings)
Agen national yearlings start with the 18th (7396 yearlings) and the 33rd internationally (15635 yearlings)
Barcelona provincial: 129-143-282 (3/6) (936 pigeons)
Dax: none sent
Marseille provincial: 1-11-75-94-103 (5/7) (358 pigeons)
Marseille national: 8-65-404-528 (2082 pigeons)
Narbonne provincial: 3 of 4 prizes (old)
Narbonne provincial: 2 of 11 (yearlings)
For Perpignan, they sent 8 (5 females and 3 males), from this flight, the father-son tandem took 3 pigeons that also flew a prize at Pau.
If you achieve this in heavy long-distance races, 3 years after the restart, then you're a “big player” in my eyes, very impressive performances... a big congratulations for this. This will not be the last we see from these “long-distance men.”
Loft composition and system
100 rings were ordered, of which 35 pigeons remained outside the loft (showing that everyone faces setbacks). The remaining youngsters will be trained later, including in the autumn flights. Not much racing is done with the pigeons; they quickly join the organization, “the good ones” will surely make it through...” according to Tony. They are taken once to Kiewit, then Hannut, Mettet, a series up to Laon. They also play the natour flights from Momignies.
The yearlings do Gien, Limoges, Tulle; others go from Gien to Agen (with a short intermediate flight).
Tony does mention that they also sent 11 yearlings to Narbonne, but he won’t do that anymore, as there are too many losses involved.
The older pigeons are especially played in the classic widowhood system; later, nest play is also applied, with some females recently sent to Perpignan (they were on eggs/chicks).
In Neeroeteren, they have about 15 breeding pairs; around 150 pigeons will winter, and at the end of the season, they will still pull a round of late youngsters from the best flyers.
Regarding feed, they use Versele-Laga and Vanrobaeys, two good mixtures for heavier work. They also add treats and peanuts. After the race, amino acids are administered via water, and extra proteins and oils are used in the feed. Tony also emphasizes that the importance of daily fresh grit should not be underestimated. The yellow drops are applied before each entry.
Before the season, they go to Dr. Schroeder with a stool sample for control. Besides the mandatory paramyxo vaccination, the youngsters are also treated against rota/herpes. This year, they also treated for paratyphus for 10 days and then vaccinated, but Tony says he won’t do this in the future. Otherwise, intervention only occurs when the pigeons have issues.
Tony feels that since he stopped and then restarted pigeon racing a few years back, not much has changed. There has been a significant improvement in the feed, with many more and better options available. He believes that’s the biggest difference. The distance is still the same, and the pigeon must still cover it, so the quality of the pigeon is still of primary importance. “Without 'good' ones, it will still not work,” says Tony. At the Stoffels' home, they advocate using wicker baskets (much better than plastic ones) and introducing provincial releases. The pigeons will find their way much faster.
We would like to congratulate the Stoffels family once again for their fantastic season and the very pleasant and warm reception. There will be beautiful results to follow in the coming years, given the quality present in their lofts. Best of luck for the future!