© Karel Hemerijckx
Halen –
Stephan and Sabrina Machiels-Brugmans from Halen have won ‘the Golden Pigeon’ for the second time. That is one of the most prestigious pigeon championships in the world. Still, Stephan wants to win a third time.
Tjorven Bonnast/David Kindt
Yesterday at 9:51 PM
The competition continued for a year for ‘the Golden Pigeon’, one of the most prestigious titles in pigeon racing. After their victory in 2018, Stephan and Sabrina managed to win this prize for the second time. “It is one of the most difficult, but most beautiful prizes you can achieve as a pigeon fancier,” says Stephan.
But how do you win the Golden Pigeon? “Well, whoever achieves the most entries in the combined sprint, middle distance and long distance series during the entire competition period will receive the title. At the start of the season it’s all about speed, then the other two series come into play. To ultimately win, you must achieve a mention in at least two different series.”
One big goal
Five years ago it was already a prize for Stephan and Sabrina, but it was completely different. “The first time wasn’t necessarily better, but then it was completely unexpected. I didn’t start the season expecting to win a prize. This season I really played for it and I was confident from August onwards.”
© Karel Hemerijckx
Despite Stephan’s second victory, his hunger is not yet satisfied and that has one specific reason. “I definitely want to win this title a third time. If you win the ‘Golden Pigeon’ you will receive a challenge cup. You have to hand it in every year, but if you have won the prize three times (or more), you can keep the trophy. That is my big goal,” Stephan ends with pride.