Meet the Champion of Final Race 2: Gert Rotman
9/17/2026
Gert Rotman from the Netherlands began participating in One Loft Races (OLR) in 2015, achieving immediate success by winning the first edition of the Algarve Great Derby with a youngster from what would later become his world-famous “Algarve Pair.”
Now, he has added another major OLR victory to his list of achievements by winning Final Race 2 of AviRings Derby PRO 2026.
Among 1,160 pigeons competing over 501 kilometres, Rotman’s pigeon was the first to reach the finish line, recording an impressive speed of 1,273.26 m/min.
You have been part of AviRings for five seasons now. What is it about this derby that keeps you coming back?
“Transparency, good management, excellent care provided by people with a real understanding of pigeons, healthy competition, and exciting finals.”
Can you tell us more about the winning pigeon?
“The ‘889’ comes from a newly formed pair with strong OLR bloodlines. The sire is a son of ‘Dracula’ x ‘Magic Queen’ (bred by Clemens Ivanschitz) and a full brother to ‘Daredevil,’ the 1st Ace Pigeon at the 2020 Algarve Golden Race.
The dam is an inbred ‘Josef,’ bred from two pigeons directly from G. Fröhlingsdorf: a son of ‘Josef’ paired with a granddaughter of ‘Josef.’”
What makes this pigeon special?
“Consider the pairing of the parents. Good genes from both sides can combine to produce a high-quality youngster.”
Was this pigeon one of your favourites before the race, or was the victory a surprise?
“It might not have been the immediate favourite, but you know it has the potential to deliver with parents or ancestors like that. If the form and race conditions are right, you know it can happen under the right circumstances.”
What does winning the second final race mean to you? How did you find out the news?
“I am absolutely thrilled with this victory — my fifth win in an OLR final! You know the competition is incredibly tough, which makes winning this final even more special.
I had to work on the day of the final, so I ‘celebrated’ it at work.”
What is the most important thing when preparing a pigeon for a One Loft Race, in your view?
“Pigeons going to an OLR need to be at 110% — both in terms of form and build. Every pigeon I send must be capable of winning a final. Of course, that never actually happens, but the point is that you shouldn’t send doubtful candidates to an OLR.”
Do you have a message for the other participants of Season 6?
“We still have one big final ahead of us. May the best bird win this final — I wish everyone the best of luck.
And a deep bow to the pigeons that are still in the lofts after three 500 km races.”
.jpg)
