Race: Ultimate 600 Race (607.25 km)

For the first time AviRings Derby organized an additional race, so called Ultimate 600 race.

Almost have of the existing pigeons in the loft were activated, at the end of the day, we basketed 305 pigeons for the race from 607 km air distance.

The release location was due to the natural not on the same direction as previous races. The release point, Becelan in Romania, is located more to the south and pigeons have to deal on the first 130km with the dynamic terrain of small heels, as they enter Hungary where they are already familiar with mostly flat surfaces.

The weather in the morning was pretty cold with 10-11C and the sun went up at  6:50. No fog, but a straight headwind 5-8 km/h  on the 100m height.

Local fancier Samuell, who advised us about the ideal release location, came, and we took some nice photos together.  Thank you, Samuell once again for help.

The liberation went like from the book, straight, without even one circle in the right direction to the West, along the river Somesul Mare.

Are 40 fanciers from Croatia,  Austria and Slovenia gathered at the loft location and impatiently waited. Temperature in the daytime went up to 26C, which is way above the normal for this time of the year. The wind at the loft was noticeable – side wind from the South direction. People were speculating. Pessimists were saying maybe 1 or 2 birds on the first day…

And then we saw the bird from the far flying from the correct direction, at high speed, and it was obvious: we had our first pigeon home. With a speed of 1160,26m/min after 8h and 43 minutes, the pigeon NL-9132019 bred by Team Ebben-van Benten landed on the antenna.  Great pigeons, great fanciers. Top! After not even 4 minutes came the second pigeon breed by Werner Gratzer from Austria, and then the ice was broken.  Such a relief for all of us.

Before the darkness 31 pigeons returned; which is a good 10% of basketed pigeons. Very fair race where pigeons showed their best. Not every young pigeon of 6 or 7 months can fly this distance and be in the air for 9 or more hours, especially if the wind is not helping, even more, if the wind makes the race more difficult. With proper care, training, and selection of pigeons, one can ensure the ability to cover such extensive distances at that early age.

On the second day, 72 pigeons came, which was in total already 34%. These pigeons were probably more exhausted than the pigeons from the first day; we assume they took some longer way to their home. No matter, what important is that they made it and we expect more of them in days to come.

Big congratulations to the winners:

1. Team Ebben - van Benten NL-2023-9132019 with 1160m/min
2. Gratzer Werner AUT-2023-609-302 with 1150m/min
3. Miloš Kučera SK-2023-0512-663 with 1133m/min
4. Team Visser & Verdoorn NL-2023-9335914 "Neutron" with 1123,56 m/min
5. Ariciu Catalin & Teodora RO-2023-0416887 GerardRomaria with 1122,78 m/min
6. Team Oost Betuwe NL-2023-9149968 with 1119,06 m/min
7. Kevin Smits BE-2023-6017891 with 1117,56 m/min
8. Kurtz Ofner AUT-2023-609-504 with 1114,62 m/min
9. Miloš Kučera  SK-2023-0512-677 with 1101,36 m/min
10. Team Van Zuijlen & Van Utrecht NL-2023-9213266 with 1075,80 m/min

Once again congratulations to all the winners and participants, especially Team Ebben - van Benten, Gratzer Werner, and Miloš Kučera for securing the top positions. It's evident that the race-tested the pigeons' endurance and skills, and those that made it back showcased their exceptional abilities. Every young pigeon that came back in these “normal” conditions is a real champion!  We are very proud of our AviRings pigeons.