Meet the Champion of Race 2: Walter Straif
8/11/2026
Who is Walter Straif, the winner of the second race?
Walter Straif has been participating in the AviRings Derby for the fifth year. He already has a number of achievements under his belt in this demanding competition. In 2019, he was named FCI World Champion. Now, we are introducing him as the winner of the second race of AviRings Derby PRO Season 2026.
Mr. Straif, where are you from and how long have you been involved in pigeon racing?
"I am Walter Straif. I come from Upper Austria, near the Bavarian border, and I have been involved in pigeon racing for more than 40 years. This is now my fifth time participating in AviRings."
Can you tell us more about the winning pigeon? (Its breeding/pedigree?)
"I want to find out as quickly as possible which breeding pigeons pass on their good qualities, as I also keep records of the breeding program. In the pedigree of the pigeon, you can find Prange, Wim Moens and Frans Rondags on the father’s side, and Prange, Heremans and Van Bulck pigeons on the mother’s side."
Was this pigeon already one of your favorites before the race, or was the victory a surprise for you?
"The pigeon was not one of my favorites beforehand. The parents had been paired together for the first time."
In your opinion, what is the most important thing when preparing a pigeon for a One Loft Race?
"The breeding pigeons must be in top health in order to produce good youngsters in the first place."
What does winning the second race of the season mean to you?
"The victory is once again confirmation for me that I am on the right track."
Do you have a message for the other participants of Season 6?
"As I have already won many championships, I would also like to wish the other fanciers a little bit of luck. Good luck and good flights! (GUT FLUG!)"