We have often reported on the famous inventory in Wommelgem. When we visited Bart Geerinckx for the first time, Father Luc was still alive and the "gladiator" was making a name for himself as an outstanding travel bird. During this time, the Geerinckx family made the step from short-haul to medium-haul.

The "Gladiator" became a famous regular bird by not only showing great performances, but also by being a successful Olympic participant. As a breeding bird, this exceptional bird can rightly be called the basic bird today. After father Luc died, Bart, who has been active in pigeon racing since he was ten, took over the helm and continued to develop the stock in a very professional manner. With a sure hand he formed a colony that is unparalleled and has been a full-time pigeon fancier for some time. Thanks to a comprehensive effort combined with a very high degree of professionalism, there is no standstill in Wommelgen. Here we do not rest on the laurels of the past, but consistently invest in the future. For this reason, the national AS pigeons are not sold, but placed directly on the breeding lofts, where they reinforce the already strong impact and literally lay the foundation for future success.
In 2019 Bart won the 1st Provincial Limoges against 709 pigeons, the 1st Provincial. Libourne against 450 pigeons, the 1st provincial Souillac against 346 pigeons, the 1st provincial. Souillac against 372 pigeons, the 1st Provincial Tulle against 969 pigeons and the 1st National Zone Limoges against 2658 pigeons!
He also won the endurance championship in Belgium with the first and second named pigeon. A really extraordinary achievement!

The flights for the national championship
01.06.19, Limoges 1072 pigeons: 20th (1st named) - 6th (2nd named)
16.06.19, Cahors 1999 pigeons: 17th (1st named) - 46th (2nd named)
05.07.19, Limoges 2658 pigeons: 12th (1st named) - 13th (2nd named)
29.07.19, Souillac 338 pigeons: 15th (1st named) - 4th (2nd named)

2019: Team Geerinckx started with 30 cocks and 25 hens according to the classic widowhood system. Every year about 200 young animals are sold for personal use. After the season, both the birds and the females spend the moulting and wintering period in an open aviary. Until mid-January the free flight starts again and the season starts again, there is plenty of oxygen in these aviaries, a stress-free moult and a regular bath. At the beginning of March, the pigeons are mated and raise only one young animal per pair. During this time, the animals train again and also take part in the short-haul flights. When the pigeons are in good shape, they are switched to widowhood. An interesting point: The widowers are housed in four identically designed compartments and motivate each other very intensively. Simply because every now and then a widower will head for a "wrong" cell, increasing jealousy of the territory. Regeneration is of particular importance for Bart.
After the pigeons have returned from a long-haul flight, the partners can generally see each other briefly. Sometimes the pigeons have to wait until the next day until they are sufficiently regenerated. To accelerate the regeneration, Bart Mumm, Bt-Amin forte, Elektrolyt 3Plus and K + K Protein Dragees. Motivation
To keep the pigeons high, the animals are sometimes driven on a short training flight of 30 to 60 km and then allowed to do what they want for about an hour.

The young pigeons
Barts believes that it is extremely important for the boys to gain as much experience as possible. They are housed in two compartments with a large aviary. When the young guard is fit, the animals have to be put into the basket every weekend and every Wednesday. According to Bart, if they have had the experience of a 400 km flight, they have learned enough and no longer have to take part in national flights of 500 or more kilometers. The selection of animals is generally based on health and hand feeling.

Good feed and feed supplements
Nothing is left to chance here in Wommelgem. That is why a good, balanced mixture of grains forms the basis so that the pigeons can replenish their energy reserves after a flight. Every day the pigeons receive fresh minerals that promote digestion and keep them in good condition. In addition to the good food, Bart generally uses Hessechol to promote the relief of the liver.

The pension plan
When inserting and separating the pigeons are treated with Avisana. After the flight, the pigeons receive energy oil together with K+K Protein 3000 via the feed. The day after, the pigeons get Entrobac in their feed. This promotes intestinal health and supports down moulting. Bart often gives the racing pigeons Blitzform for several days in order to achieve top form. The following week he then gives Bt-Amin forte or Rotosal again for several days. By administering Rotosal or Blitzform the pigeons get a sensational form. Every Monday and Tuesday the pigeons get RO 200 ready together with energy oil over the feed. Each pigeon is also given a Flugfit dragee when it is placed.

Tips from Bart:
Oxygen: Make sure that the pigeons have access to an aviary. The more fresh air, the healthier they are.

Trust: Trust your pigeons. If they have good blood, they will show you.

Resistance: Promotes the natural resistance of the pigeons. Give as many natural products as possible, such as B. Hexenbier, breath-free, herb mix, UsneGano and Avidress.

Medical support: Bart relies on Dr. Raf Herbots, whose name and expertise are known worldwide.

Strict selection: The pigeons that want a place in the racing loft must place themselves at the top of the price list. Two thirds of the racing team consist of yearling pigeons. Bart Geerinckx works every day for his pigeons and for the success of his loft. He always tries to be one step ahead and he always thinks about tomorrow!