This weekend saw Gebr. A & B Leideman take 1st, 2nd, 5th, 7th out of 2384 pigeons and 3rd and 4th from 16,263 pigeons. Another weekend of amazing results.
This weeks results from Gebr. A & B Leidemans
Gebr A & B Leideman Latest Results
The Leideman Brothers in Holland posted another fantastic set of results last weekend.
2nd, 3rd, 6th, 8th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19, plus man more out of 2595 pigeons.

4th, 5th out of 17,478 pigeons!

These are the two pedigrees of their first two pigeons back:



Mark Walker has exclusive rights to these fantastic Leideman pigeons in the UK.
Mark has invested heavily in the very best of European pigeons and has the top picks from the Leideman Bros pigeon at his stud in the UK.
See the photos below of Marks impressive facilities in the West Midlands.






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Gebr. Leideman (NL)

No other loft in The Netherlands has developed so clearly to the absolute best in sport as Bert and André Leideman. Since their start as teenagers they have always been aiming for the highest quality of pigeons and ever since they have been in the top of Dutch pigeon racing. However more and more the brothers refined their breeding base and now they are at the point that sensational results have become a standard … the life’s work of two dedicated fanciers with a special eye for quality.
Enjoying pigeons was and still is the number 1 motivation for André and Bert Leideman to home pigeons. However at a very early age the combination between the two appeared to bring out a kind of synergy that is very special in pigeon sport. Massive wins came as obvious and an everlasting search in The Netherlands, Belgium en Germany for that special pigeon that can make a difference made the brothers living their dream … as the best Dutch all-round colony of the modern era.
Two brothers; one philosophy
The love for pigeons … in almost every sentence Bert and André speak about this aspect of pigeon racing. As for many others the interest in the pigeon’s ability to return home from big distances with high velocities was their first motivation to home pigeons, at the age of 11 and 12 years old the brothers wanted their fancy pigeons changed by racing pigeons … as they are faster and not such an easy victim for the bird of prey. Apparently several family members also had pigeons and the teenagers collected a group of pigeons to breed from. In 1981 they first officially competed and with 13 youngsters Bert and André became club champion from about 50 members … the year after they raced the 1st acebird … and their career got on the way.
“That was also the period we learned to have confidence in our own capacities. After our first year an older fancier in our club with much experience came to select the youngsters for us. We were rookies and he was a champion in the club for years. We always handled our pigeons with great care and had a good bond with the pigeons. This senior fancier entered our loft and caught our pigeons with his big hands in a rude way. It was a sight for sour eyes. We watched him judge the pigeons and he advised us to skip 70% of the pigeons. When he was gone, we knew enough; never would we accept such raw fanciers in the lofts anymore and no one else than us would be judges when it comes to selection. One of the pigeons that was disqualified by this fancier, became 1 st acebird in 1982.” As teenagers already Bert and André dominated their club and won many top positions in Fed. and combine … however their ambition to breed pigeons that would be famous grew. Pigeons that could win against many pigeons, preferably several times. Pigeons that would be talked and written about amongst pigeons fanciers. That was their dream. To breed such pigeons – both men concluded – you must have bloodlines of such legends in your breeding team. It was in that period especially André spend all of his spare time driving to fanciers, mostly in Belgium but also in The Netherlands and later in Germany. As a true talent-scout he went on his way looking for the best. Leideman Brothers found the best distribution of tasks. Bert is first of all an outstanding caretaker and André knows how to manage a successful team and how to scout talents. It would lead to new levels in their career as true champions. André remembers winning 1st up to 6th against 13,960 birds … later also NPO victories, provincial championships and National aces followed.
Creating a family of massive winners
The quest for the best pigeons to reach the top, brought Bert and André in the late Eighties to the H&O partnership from Nieuwendijk. These fanciers had a fantastic pigeons in their loft, called ‘Van Damme’ who was the absolute sensation of Holland in the middle Nineties, crowned as 1. Nat. acebird and Olympiad bird on the Utrecht Olympiad in 1995. Bert and André purchased several children from his parents, the base pair ‘De 45’ (1. general acebird +15,000 members) x ‘De 393’ (H.sister Olympiad bird middle dist. 1985). These brothers and sisters to ‘Van Damme’ were the first pillar in the Leideman colony of the Nineties and Zeroes.
The lines of ‘Van Damme’ (later bought by Mike Ganus USA and renamed as ‘Supercrack 699’) were crossed with the Linssen-Janssen birds of Tonnie Van Dam from Hattem. In 1991 the Leideman brothers introduces these lines. They bred the hen NL91-1248748 ‘Tovada’ from them and she won the title 9. Nat. ace hen De Vredesduif for André and Bert. Pairing ‘Tovado’ to the cockbird NL915005618 ‘De Havik’ (from brother to ‘Van Damme’) was a golden hit … it bred them NL95-5501878 ‘Tip Top’, winner of 1. prize Etampes (600 km) 5,740 b., 6. Etampes 3,108 b., 7. Elst 4,472 b., 12. Houdeng 6,576 b., 21. Nijvel 6,807 b., etc.
‘Tip Top was absolutely one of the stars in their team and his ideal partner was found in the NL945602014 ‘Zeeuws Meisje’, at Leideman winner of 13. Nat. ace hen De Vredesduif 1996. ‘Zeeuws Meisje’ thanks her name to the breeder, the famous Koen Minderhoud from the province of Zealand. Koen was one of the strongest fanciers in The Netherlands at the time and dominated with a 90% Vandenabeele colony. ‘Zeeuws Meisje’ was bred of the best Vandenabeele lines of ‘Picanol’. ‘Tip Top’ x ‘Zeeuws Meisje’ together formed a breeding pair of exceptional class. Until 2006, two generations of descendants of ‘Tip Top’ x ‘Zeeuws Meisje’ gave no less than 34 birds winning together the incredible number of 53x 1. prize with birdages varying from 100 up to 25,000 birds!!
Best children of the wonder pair ‘Tip Top’ x ‘Zeeuws Meisje’ are a/o:
- ‘Kacet’, magnificent racing cock with 4 prizes in the best 0,1% of the result … 4. Duffel 17,428 b. … 5. Strepy Thieu 14,569 b. … 6. Houdeng 16,689 b. … 13. Houdeng 13,839 b.
‘Kacet’ is father of ‘Mr. Hot Blood’ with 1. Niergnies 14,039 b. and grandfather of ‘Retro’ (8. Nat. acebird middle distance NPO 2009 with 1. Pommeroeul 3,078 b.) and ‘Spit’: 1. acebird middle distance combine 2009, 9. Nat. acebird middle distance NPO 2009, 1. Strombeek 1,650 b.)
- ‘Mika’, 7. Nat. acebird WHZB 1999
- ‘De Alles Zie’, winner of 6. Hasselt 13,960 b. and father of ‘Pepsie’ with 1. prizes against 5.465 b.
- 4,576 b. – 3,014 b. … ‘De Alles Zie’ is grandfather of ‘Susan’ with 1. Arras 8,314 b. and 1. Boxtel 2,912 b. (also 3. against 11,222 b.)
- ‘Lon’, Top racer with 4x top 25 NPO. Mother of ‘Leyla’ with 1. Boxtel 25,147 b. … and mother of ‘Mariko’ winner 2x 2. prize against 14.967 b. and 14.297 b.
- Winner of 1. prize against 12,995 b.
- ‘Marooch’, breeder of ‘Maggie Maiden’ who was 2. overall acebird Million Dollar Race (SA) 2012 over 27 races.
- ‘Tip Top Jr’, base breeder Frans Zwols and (grand)father of a/o winner 1. Maaseik 19,913 b., 1. Heteren 10.015 b., 1. Hasselt 10,015 b., etc. According Stuart Wilcokx he is now one of the most dominant breeders in the UK.


Getting more and more dominant
With the outstanding base of the pair ‘Tip Top’ x ‘Zeeuws Meisje’ the ambitious brothers had gold in hands. In 1995 it resulted a/o in the crown at their work; 1 st provincial general champion in the province of Drenthe with approximately 600 members. All the main racers staid on the loft. Bert: “Even though high prices were offered for our best racers, we have always believed it is best to keep the pure class pigeons for stock. And so we kept all our massive winners and best breeders. For sure a right choice, as our philosophy has always been aiming for the best quality. When you sell your own best racers, that would break down our future. How crazy would it be when you search the entire world for better pigeons and you do not treasure your own? Because of making all our top racers important breeders, the quality we bred also kept improving. And that especially resulted in not only winning top positions, but also more and more in grabbing many top positions in results with high birdages. The provincial racers that is; for us really all that matters!”

Just a selection of the best races on provincial and semi-provincial level between 2005 and 2009 underlines the development Bert mentioned:
Boxtel 25,151 b.; 1.-12.-56.-72.-etc.
Pommeroeul 23,727 b.; 5.-10.-18.-61.-77.-97.-99.-etc Hasselt 21.426 b.; 2.-22.-24.-etc.
Hasselt 18,305 b.; 6.-17.-18.-31.-85.-etc.
Duffel 17,428 b.; 4.-7.-38.-73.-74.-77.-etc.
Wijchen 17,321 b.; 4.-28.-36.-etc.
Strepy/Thieu 14,967 b.; 1.-2.-49.-etc.
Strepy/Thieu 14,569 b.; 3.-5.-83.-84.-86.-87.-91.-etc.
Haasrode 14,297 b.; 2.-3.-8.-34.-36.-38.-40.-42.-43.-44.-53.-etc.
Niergnies 14,039 b.; 1.-8.-50.-74.-109.-etc.
Risnes 13,375 b.; 9.-25.-etc.
Pommeroeul 11,419 b.; 6.-11.-14.-53.-etc.
Boxtel 11,222 b.; 3.-30.-32.-35.-etc.
Strepy/Thieu 10,179 b.; 6.-7.-8.-26.-etc.
Arras 8,314 b.; 1.-7.-32.-etc.
Strombeek 6,158 b.; 5.-7.-etc.
Etampes Parking 5,670 b.; 23.-96.-106.-143.-etc.
Wijchen 3,781 b.; 1.-3.-5.-31.-32.-34.-etc.
Boxtel 3,215 b.; 4.-27.-29.-35.-etc.
Wijchen 3,113 b.; 9.-10.-18.-27.-41.-43.-etc.
Pommeroeul 3,078 b.; 1.
Pommeroeul 2,925 b.; 6.-11.-14.-39.-etc.
Boxtel 2,912 b.; 1.-16.-18.-19.-etc.
Boxtel 2,897 b.; 1.-10.-38.-46.-etc.
Haasrode 2,837 b.; 1.-2.-6.-19.-20.-21.-22.-23.-24.-25.-30-etc.
Pommeroeul 2,479 b.; 3.-6.-10.-19.-26.-30.-31.-etc.
Boxtel 2,347 b.; 1.-2.-33.-34.-35.-36.-38.-40.-42.-etc.
Arras 2,339 b.; 1.-4.-15.-etc.
Haasrode 1,597 b.; 7.-21.-41.-43.-47.-etc.
Pommeroeul 1,494 b.; 7.-14.-15.-17.-etc.
Duffel 1,550 b.; 2.-3.-18.-27.-28.-30.-etc.
Boxtel 1,460 b.; 2.-3.-14.-etc.
It was on one of the heaviest battle in Dutch young birds racing 2010, when ‘Fernando’ gave new credits to the wonder colony of the Leideman brothers … in North-East Holland there were no holds barred for this exceptional talent and at the end on the National NPO Arras race he destroyed all competitors to take 1. NPO Arras (366 km) against 10,735 birds … with a 5 minutes lead. It made him talk of the country, this beauty blue cock with golden genes. An International highlight was grabbed by the top hen ‘Maggie Maiden’ … sent by André and Bert to the South Africa One Million Dollar race edition 2012 and crowned as 2. acebird Grand Average SAMDPR 2012. ‘Maggie Maiden’ was grandchild of ‘Tip Top’ x ‘Zeeuws Meisje’ and in 2013 another descendant of this pair had great success; it was ‘Tip Top 5’, bred from full sister to ‘Fernando’ and winner of 9. place in the final of the Million Dollar Race 2013. Later a full sister to ‘Tip Top 5’ would become super breeder for Leideman Brothers …
Coming back stronger from misery
It was just in this period the Leideman brothers were confronted with a difficult decision! Word was at the time the brothers were forced to move by governmental decision. The ground on which the house and the pigeon lofts of the Leideman family stood was needed for other purposes. All the massive and multiple winners from the ‘Tip Top’ x ‘Zeeuws Meisje’ base were sold for record breaking prices on PIPA. Super pigeons like ‘Elfje’, ‘Pepsie’, ‘Susan’, ‘Niekla’ … togethers with the top winners of 1. NPO Sourdun 13,426 b. ‘Romée’ and 1. NPO Arras 10,735 b. with 5 minutes lead ‘Fernando’… Normally the brothers would never have sold these pigeons, however heavy pressure of the government to take ‘damage-reducing measures’ made them sell their diamonds.
The anger became even bigger when shortly after the auction the government decided to postpone their intentions. Very against their principles, top racers were sold … and a third party that proved unreliable was to blame. André: “We kept our base breeders, but this was just the right moment to make that last step to the absolute National top. I spend many weekends traveling to Belgium, Germany and The Netherland to search for the undiscovered diamonds of our sport in order to be one step ahead of others. No matter if these pigeons were commercially interesting or not; just quality counted. A wonderful journey where I handled so many wonderful pigeons … and where just so few had that special quality to lift our pigeons to a whole new level.”
It was a big disappointment when in 2007 the new came in that the Leideman family were forced to move by governmental decision; the provincial board had other purposes for this area. It was for this reason only André and Bert decided to sell all the racers and take the breeding team to the new address. All the massive and multiple winners from the ‘Tip Top’ x ‘Zeeuws Meisje’ base were sold for record breaking prices on PIPA. Super pigeons like ‘Elfje’, ‘Pepsie’, ‘Susan’, ‘Niekla’ … togethers with the top winners of 1. NPO Sourdun 13,426 b. ‘Romée’ and 1. NPO Arras 10,735 b. with 5 minutes lead ‘Fernando’… with the suitcases already packed to move in 2008, a new letter came in from the government. ‘Our plans are postponed, you can stay here for some more years’ … these years became a total of 10; first in 2018 the government and Leideman family agrees for a deal that would fulfil the Leideman wish for a new location with a nice house and possibilities to built back new lofts for racing and breeding.
All the years in between Leideman Brothers were determined to sacrifice anything for a successful career, and this is something that they have in common with all the great players in the history of pigeon sport. And just like in the previous decade, the quality of the pigeons was the number 1 condition for André and Bert. But also Bert and André were way ahead of their time. Since 1982 already they races cocks and hens on total widowhood system and do so until now (2021) … and with great success. A long history of NPO victories makes them extremely proud:
- NPO Orleans 615 km 10,090 b. ‘De Sterke’ 1999
- NPO Sourdun 504 km 13,426 b. ‘Romée’ 2004
- NPO Arras 366 km 10,735 b. ‘Fernando’ 2010
- NPO Pommeroeul 309 km 6,885 b. ‘Roberto’ 2013
- NPO Orléans 615 km 4,533 b. ‘Allessandra’ 2013
- NPO Reims 412 km 4,913 b. ‘Solo’ 2015
- NPO Nanteuil le H. 467 km 3,924 b. ‘Vitória’ 2016
- NPO Morlincourt 417 km 4,634 b. ‘Margrit’ 2016
- NPO Laon 396 km 6,371 b. ‘Goed Grijs’ 2017
- NPO Gien 611 km 4,911 b. & fastest 7,768 b. 2017 ‘Jet’ 1. NPO Chalons En Ch. 433 km 2,315 b. 2018 ‘Son Sigrid’
- NPO Troyes 509 km 3,783 b. 2019 ‘Starling’
- NPO Chalons En Ch. 433 km 3,892 b. 2019 ‘Charlene’
The 3 pillars behind the success
André and Bert wholeheartedly enjoy the everyday things of a fancier: pigeons taking a bath, looking after the pigeons on a daily basis, organising training flights and awaiting their arrival. This is what the sport is about: enjoying yourself. And great talents can really make a difference, just like in football. Bert is first of all an outstanding caretaker and André knows how to manage a successful team. They are two very talented coaches, each with their own talents, and together they developed as one of the leading teams in The Netherlands, for more than 30 years now.
Also very important for the brothers; André developed unique skills as talent-scout and especially in the year 2011-2020 they really reaped the fruits of this quality. André’s many visits to successful fanciers in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany paid out when three separate bloodlines were found to be complementary to each other and really gave that extra impulse to dominate a ways never shown before. Pillar 1 are the genes of ‘Silver Dream’ and ‘Golden Dream’ … Pillar 2 the top stars from the Wolfgang Roeper legacy … and pillar 3 the super ‘Goed Grijs’ dynasty.
Together the 3 pillars form the Leideman brand; ‘Dutch Design’. Responsible for the qualification ‘Best allround loft of The Netherlands’ with between 2013 en 2016 a/o the following massive wins:
- against 11,745 b. 247 km
1.-2.-3.-4. against 11,474 b. 247 km
1.-2.-3.-4. against 10,314 b. 194 km
1.-2. against 10,739 b. 138 km
1.-4.-6. against 6,885 b. 309 km
1.-8.-9.-10. against 5,821 b. 218 km
- against 4,913 b. 412 km
1.-4. against 4,799 b. 309 km
1.-3. against 4,663 b. 381 km
- against 4,634 b. 417 km
1.-2. against 4,533 b. 615 km
Also 1.-2. fastest against 9,802 b. 615 km
- against 3,924 b. 467 km
1.-2.-3.-5. against 1,916 b. 356 km
- against 1,876 b. 612 km
1.-2.-4.-5.-6.-9. against 1,451 b. 381 km
1.-2.-6. against 1,404 b. 313 km
- against 1,292 b. 381 km
- against 786 b. 105 km
1.-6. against 729 b. 156 km
1.-2.-3. against 510 b. 164 km
1.-2. against 421 b. 105 km
1.-4.-5.-6. against 342 b. 731 km (23 times 1. prize average 4,564 b.)
Pillar 1 – ‘Silver Dream’ & ‘Golden Dream’
The first very important factor in the colony are the base breeding hens ‘Silver Dream’ and ‘Golden Dream’. Bert Leideman: “It is a dream for every fancier to own a hen with the golden eggs … for us the half sisters ‘Silver Dream’ and ‘Golden Dream’ are such hens.” They are both bred by Stellerman and in Hardenberg almost everything they produce wins or breeds winners … It must be a matter of the perfect DNA, as their father is the exceptional ‘Blue Dream’, 1. Nat. acebird sprint KBDB Belgium 2009 and winner 10x 1. prize from Quivrain for August Wouters.
The Belgian newspaper Gazet Van Antwerpen published articles with the fastest three pigeons from Quievrain and Noyon (sprint category) per weekend for several years. Reporter Albert Vertongen noticed that since the publishing of these articles, the achievements of ‘Blue Dream’ have proven to be unsurpassed! This pigeon was the fastest pigeon on four occasions in the month of May of 2009, besides winning a third prize that month as well. ‘Blue Dream’ has won 10x 1. prize in total (no doubles). This excellence must be the base for the outstanding breeding references of ‘Silver Dream’ and ‘Golden Dream’ for the Leideman Brothers.

- Offspring are winners of
- I.prov. acebird allound & middle dist. 2018 (‘Ace 820’, son)
- Nat. acebird middle dist. TBOTB 2018 (‘Ace 820’, son)
- Asse Zelik 11,474 b. (‘Floyd’, son)
- Asse Zellik 11,343 b. (‘Jet’, daughter)
- Weert 11,059 b. (‘Rachel’ g.daughter)
- Boxtel 10,739 b. (‘Sigrid’, g.daughter)
- Quievrain 10,570 b. (‘Justify’, g.grandson)
- Tessenderloo 10,314 b. (‘Enzo’, g.grandson)
- Weert 5,230 b. (‘Ace 820’, son)
- NPO Gien 4,911 b. & fastest 7,768 b. (‘Jet’, daughter)
- Deurne 4,299 b. (‘Viton’, grandson)
- Weert YB 4,084 b. (‘739/19’, g.child)
- NPO Nanteuil 3,926 b. with 7 min. lead (‘Vitória’, g.g.daughter)
- NPO Chalons 3,892 b. (‘Charlene’, g.daughter)
- Chalons en Champagne 2,315 b. (‘Mr. Aart’, g.grandson)
- Rethel 1,867 b. (‘Nestmate Voltar’, son)
- Tongeren 1,580 b. (‘Anima’, g.daughter)
- Rethel 1,133 b. (‘Justin’, g.grandson)
- Quievrain 986 b. (‘Justin’, g.grandson)
- Chimay 600 b. (‘Miles’, grandson)
- Troyes 371 b. (‘Sigrid’, granddaughter)
- prize 342 b. (‘Voltar’, son)
- Sens 323 b. (‘Sigrid’, granddaughter)
- Sens 285 b. (‘Jarek’, grandson)
- NPO Chalons Y.B. 3,892 b. (G.child)
‘Golden Dream’ is also responsible for many super performers and breeders … both are direct from ‘Blue Dream’, in case of ‘Silver Dream’ paired to a daughter of Gerard Koopman’s renowned ‘Kleine Dirk’ … and in case of ‘Golden Dream’ paired to daughter of ‘Fieneke 5000’ Vervoort. Remarkable is the quality of ‘Silver Dream’ and ‘Golden Dream’ offspring to fly 10 hours, while the father ‘Blue Dream’ was a true sprint racer with 10x 1. on Quievrain.

- Mother of ‘Crack 19’
- acebird middle dist. combine 2016 G.father of 2. NPO Chateauroux 3,647 b.
- Mother of ‘Tesla’
- Asse Zelik 11,745 b. with 5 min. lead
- Asse Zelik 11,474 b. after loft mate
- Mother of ‘One O 5’
- Niergnies 355 km 1,916 b. / 2. – 9,897 b.
- Tessenderloo 195 km 10,314 b.
- Asse Zellik 247 km 2,573 b. ‘One O 5’ is breeder of
- Hannut 5,447 b.
- Chimay 1,464 b.
- Chimay 1,006 b.
= 2. Chimay 9,460 b.
- Wijchen 1,105 b.
- Weert 5,552 b.
- Venlo 4,429 b.
- Weert 1,328 b.
- Asse Zellik 4,712 b. Etc.
A super reference comes from the Eijerkamp family and descends of both ‘Silver Dream’ and ‘Golden Dream’. In 2019 Eijerkamp raced with a group of original Leideman pigeons and the NL191248576 ‘Speedy Grizzle’ was crowned 1. Nat. acebird speed late tour 2019, also 4. Dutch young racer PIPA Ranking 2019 with 4 super prizes on only 4 races! ‘Speedy Grizzle’ is bred from massive winner ‘Viton’ (1. Deurne 4,299 b.), superson of ‘Jet’ (3x massive 1.) and grandson of ‘Silver Dream’ … mother of ‘Speedy Grizzle’ bred from topracer ‘One O 5’, direct son of ‘Golden Dream’. The genes of the 2 supersisters therefore responsible for a 1 st National acebird! In 2021 a full brother to ‘Speedy Grizzle’ won 1. prov. Quievrain 12,633 b. for the German champion Peter Janssen)
Pillar 2 – The Roeper effect
A real super pair is ‘Magnus’ x ‘Sister Tip Top 5’. ‘Sister Tip Top 5’ is full sister to the 9. place winner in the final of the Million Dollar Race 2013. ‘Magnus’ is original from German top fancier Wolfgang Roeper. André: “We obtained pigeons from H&O in the 1990s, because we knew he had perhaps the best pigeon in Western Europe in his collection. ‘Van Damme’ was exposed on the Olympiad in Utrecht. There we discovered there was even a better pigeon than ‘Van Damme’ and that was the ‘321’ of Wolfgang Roeper, who won the Olympiad title. This 321 won the year after the Olympiad again 3x 1. prize!! We promptly turned to Wolfgang for investments and it paid off; the original Roeper pigeons ‘Magnus’ and ‘Antar’ are amongst the best breeders we ever had!”

Wolfgang Roeper has always been far ahead of his time. He introduced the Vandenabeele pigeons to Germany, raced with the direct ones and became National and Olympiad champion with them … a decade later he introduced Leo Heremans pigeons to Germany, raced with the direct ones and became National and Olympiad champion with them … Wolfgang has aged, sold all his breeders but never lost his eye for quality! The pigeons that do very, very well for him the last years are direct from new famous champions; Leidemans Brothers. They made him a/o 1. National champion yearlings 2019, 2. National champion yearling 2020 and an original Leideman pigeon shall represent Germany in the 2022 Olympiad in the allround category; for Wolfgang Roeper the most important category. Leideman Brothers in the same line as Gaby Vandenabeele and Leo Heremans; it really says all about the way Leideman’s star has risen over the last years!

DV01274-2013-481 ‘Magnus’ Original Wolfgang Roeper
‘Magnus’ x ‘Sister Tip Top 5’ best breeding results
- Parents of ‘Raissa’
- reserve NL Olympiad sprint Poznan 2018
- Duffel 4,613 b. & fastest 6,969 b.
- Quievrain 10,570 b. after loftmate
- Niergnies 9,897 b.
- Heusden-Zolder 5,927 b.
- Heusden-Zolder 11,336 b.
- Rethel 1,867 d.
- Parents of ‘Sia’
- Nat. acebird middle dist. NPO 2017
- Gennep 11,041 b.
- Isnes 8,525 b.
- Quievrain 2,480 b.
‘Sia’ is mother of 2018 yearling winner
- Nat. S4 Chateauroux 731 km 3,647 b.
- Nat. S4 Bourges 677 km 5,877 b.
- Parents of ‘691/17’ Wolfgang Roeper
- RV Lubieszyn 304 km 1,124 b. 2018
- RV Lubieszyn 304 km 846 b. 2018
- RV Demmin 214 km 1,187 b. 2019
- RV Starogard 379 km 2,947 b. 2019
- RV Lubieszyn 304 km 1,265 b. 2020
- Parents of ‘Tila’, breeder of
- Nat. S4 Chateauroux 731 km 3,647 b.
3.-8.-13.-14. Nat. S4 Lorris 597 km 6,086 b. Grandchildren ‘Tila’ are a/o winners of
- Nat. S2 Vierzon 567 km 7,956 b. (at G. & S. Verkerk)
- NPO Argenton 568 km 3,127 d. (at Gijs Baan)
- I.prov. Sittard 18,592 b. (at Foppe VD Meer)
- prov. Kalkar 13,922 b. & 8. Nat. acebird PIPA Rankings (at Fam Broos)
- prov. Fontenay 6,455 b. (at Gebr. Scheele) 3x 1. prov. winner 2,580 – 1,625 – 1,384 b. (at Wolfgang Roeper)
1.-2.-2.-2.-3.-4.-7.-7.-8.-10. avg. 1.300 d. (at Wolfgang Roeper)
- Sittard 986 b. (at Leideman Brothers)
- prize 460 km 620 b. (at H. & S. Harms)
- Parents of ‘Yara’ at Gerard Koopman breeder of
- Nat. SIV Lorris 3,455 b.
- Parents of ‘The 900 Man’, topbreeder at Gerard Koopman & g.father of
- I.prov. acebird long distance for Stefan Göbel
In many ways the Leideman brothers and German legend Wolfgang Roeper have resemblances. For one; both have been dominating pigeons racing in their country for decades … but again; maybe even more than André Leideman, Wolfgang Roeper had a special sense for top quality … and is on a continuing quest for that special something to make another step forwards! Wolfgang Roeper is a phenomenon in Germany. In 2013, not so long ago, he had no less than six (!) different Olympiad Pigeons in Nitra. This is a unique achievement, especially if you take into account that he starts the season with 35 to 40 widowers; he races only in traditional widowhood. “We have been on good terms with the German grandmaster since the Utrecht Olympiad back in 1995,” says André. “He is a highly skilled fancier who has taught us a lot and who gave us many exceptional pigeons.”
Introducing Roeper pigeons in their colony therefore seems no more than logical … they have been playing an increasingly important role in recent years. Today, the Leideman brothers probably have the largest and most complete collection of Roeper pigeons worldwide, owning at least 40(!) original Wolfgang Roeper pigeons! They have youngsters or descendants of basically every Roeper star in their breeding loft. Original Roeper breeder ‘Magnus’ had become cock of the super pair, breeding the wonder pigeons ‘Raissa’, ‘Sia’, etc. … but more Roeper breeders turned out the be breeding stars for Leideman.

DV01274-2013-482 ‘Antar’ Original Wolfgang Roeper (Nestmate to superbreeder ‘Magnus’)
- Father of ‘Margrit’
- NPO Morlincourt 417 km 4,634 b.
- Father of ‘Liz’, as YB
- Tessenderloo 10,314 b.
- Tilburg 8,458 b.
- Father of ‘Desiree’
- Nat. acebird MD WHZB/TBOTB 2019
- Arlon 1,348 b.
- Father of NL19-1248713 at W. Roeper
- Neukloster 1,066 b. 2019
- G.father of ‘Justify’ (son ‘Liz’)
- Quievrain 10,570 b.
- local / 3. Rethel 4,206 b.
- ‘Justify’ is breeder
- Nat. ace cock Germany 2019 (13/13)
- Venlo 3,696 b.
- G.g.father of ‘Charlene’ (g.son ‘Liz’)
- NPO Chalons 433 km 3,892 b.
In 2013 the absolute star in Dutch skies was ‘Geeloger’ of Koen Minderhout; winner of several times 1. prize provincial and in The Netherlands considered as probably the best European racer … however one pigeon was better in the Europa Cup; and that was DV01274-10-269 ‘Der 269’ of Wolfgang Roeper, ending 1. Int. acebird allround Europa Cup 2013. ‘Der 269’ was also the 1. German Olympiad Yearling and he happens to be father of the two super breeders ‘Magnus’ and ‘Antar’ of Leideman brothers.
Leideman Brothers are not the only ones who profit from the great strength of the Roeper Pigeons … For instance Herbots best modern breeder ‘Big Boss’ is original Roeper; he was 1. Nat. ace & Olympiad bird and bred generations of National aces … Eijerkamp’s ‘Olympic Leo’ was Olympiad bird & 2. Nat. ace for Roeper; now breeder of many winners at Eijerkamp … and Erik Limbourg’s superbreeder ‘Der 593’ is original Wolfgang Roeper. He was crowned as 4. Nat. ace cock Germany for Roeper & bred a/o ‘Super Creone Roeper’, 1. Nat. acebird KBDB 2020 and sold for 830,000 Euro … ‘Der 593’ is also breeder of a/o ‘Laurence’ (2. Nat. acebird KBDB 2019), ‘Der 113’ (European Nations Cup) and ‘110’ (14. Nat. acebird KBDB 2018) … More original Roeper pigeons breed for Erik the 2. Nat. acebird KBDB YL long dist. 2018 and 2. best YB PIPA Ranking 2019. For sure the Roeper pigeons are one of the strongest families in modern pigeon racing!!
And grandmaster himself? He keeps on performing like a true champion and enjoys the breeding value of his pigeons … His Olympiad topper 269 bred the Leideman super breeder ‘Magnus’ … and ‘Magnus’ bred the pigeon 691/17 for Wolfgang Roeper to race him and he became a topper … with 5x 1. of average +1,500 b. and Olympiad bird for Germany in the prestigious cat D allround 2022 … and now ‘Olympic Wolfgang’ comes back to the breeding lofts of Leideman Brothers!! It is very satisfying when a plan comes together!
Pillar 3 – ‘Goed Grijs’
The third and very important quality injection to the breeding lofts is the wonder 7x 1. prize winner ‘Goed Grijs’ (original Van Den Brande) and her family. “Our only pigeon with a sixth gear,” Bert says. “She won many races, with leads and the incredible finishing skills were like never seen before. She really storms the loft when she comes home, not just after a race but after an ordinary training flight as well. She comes home like a bullet. It reminds us of such iconic pigeons as ‘Kleine Dirk’, ‘Geeloger’ or ‘Kannibaal’, which were known to be fast finishers as well!” In fact the breakneck stunts of ‘Goed Grijs’ eventually made Leideman brothers decide to transfer her to the breeding loft. “Her frightening skills made us a bit scared one day she would wound herself … after she’d won 1 st NPO Laon from 387 km against 6,371 birds as a 2 years old on June 17 th 2017, we transferred her to the breeding loft … in the middle of the 2017 season.”

BE15-6106415 ‘Goed Grijs’ Original Gebr. Van De Brande Raced by Gebr. Leideman Winner of total 7x 1. prize
- NPO Laon 6,371 b.
- Duffel 5,821 b. 2 minutes lead
- Heusden Zolder 2,775 b.
- Laon 1,052 b.
- Wijchen 786 b.
- Heusden-Zolder 656 b.
- Hapert 231 b.
- Offspring won a/o
- Nat. acebird late tour WHZB/TBOTB 2019 (g.child. at Eijerkamp)
- Pissanulok Thailand 333 km 2,310 b. 2020 (g.g.child)
- s-prov. acebird sprint 2019 (child, at Leideman brothers)
- prov. Quievrain 12,633 b. (g.g.child, at Peter Janssen)
- prov. Hannut 5,477 b. (child, at Leideman brother)
- prov. Venlo 4,429 b. (child, at Leideman brothers)
- prize Reg-Verband 386 km 2,580 b. (g.child, at Wolfgang Roeper)
- Blankenheim 1,698 b. (g.child, at Leideman brothers)
- prize Reg-Verband 304 km 1,625 b. (g.child, at Wolfgang Roeper)
- Chimay 1,464 b. (child, at Leideman brothers)
- prize Reg-Verband 306 km 1,384 b. (g.child, at Wolfgang Roeper)
- Chimay 1,006 b. & 2. fastest 18,006 b. (child, at Leideman brothers)
- Chimay 795 b. (g.child, at Leideman Brothers)
- Tongeren 770 b. (child, at Leideman brothers)
- Deurne 526 b. (g.child, at Leideman Brothers)
- prov. Weert 5,552 b. (child, at Leideman brothers)
- prov. Venlo 4,429 b. (child, at Leideman brothers)
- prov. Weert 1,328 b. (child, at Leideman brothers)
- Venlo YB 603 b. / 4. prov. 3,899 b. (g.child, at Leideman brothers)
- prov. Niergnies 10,065 b. (g.child, at Eijerkamp)
- prov. Niergnies 6,829 b. / 1. – 592 b. (g.child, at Eijerkamp)
- NPO Nanteuil 7,551 b. (g.g.child, at Team Roording)
- final race Pattaya Int. OLR 2020 (g.g.child)
‘Goed Grijs’ had 3 massive wins as yearling and 4 massive wins as 2 years old. She was bought in spring of 2015 from the Van De Brande brothers from Berlaar (Belgium). They have been one of the leading sprint lofts in Belgium for many years. Even though André and Bert transferred her to the breeding loft at the top of her shape, they knew these exceptional skills were incredibly valuable for future generations. And exactly that happened … the only 3 direct ever raced were all massive winners. In the year 2019 ‘Speedy Grizzle’, a grandchild of ‘Goed Grijs’, was amongst the best of the famous Eijerkamp-family and crowned 1. Nat. acebird late tour WHZB/TBOTB 2019 … a great grandchild was in 2020 a/o winners of 1. prize Pissanulok Thailand 333 km 2,310 birds … and in 2021 a full brother to ‘Speedy Grizzle’ won 1. prov. Quievrain 12,633 b. for the German champion Peter Janssen … super genes that pass on generation after generation after generation!
Sensational results
The 3 pillars of the Leideman strain lead to a synergy of exclusive class … In the years of 2017 until 2019 they won 61x 1 st prize big competition, with no doubles and no results on club level … The highlights of these years:




One the very top of their fame, history repeated and the government forced the brothers to leave their homeground at the Polendwarsweg in Hardenberg … this time for real. After more than 10 years of insecurity and postponement of a new residence, Leideman build their new house and lofts in Collendoorn. From 2020 on they raced their racing pigeons from the new address. All breeders and most of the youngsters moved to the new address … the racing team of 2019 with so many successes was sold on PIPA in November 2019. The end of an era … but at the same time the beginning of a new one.
The grand finale in 2018 and 2019 was amazing; André and Bert were crowned as 2 nd National Gouden Duif winner just before G. & S. Verkerk in 2018 and 3 rd National Gouden Duif winner in 2019, on one stage with Team Hooymans NL (1 st prize) and Willem De Bruijn (2 nd prize) … amongst the very best of The Netherlands therefore in one of the most prestigious National competitions in the world; it is truly amazing!
‘Dutch Design’ Leideman Brand
Dutch Design; the Leideman Brand
One more time; the current colony is built around three pillars and these 3 pillars cover about 90% of the total racing team. First of all base breeding hen ‘Silver Dream’, original Stellerman and direct daughter of ‘Blue Dream’, 1. National acebird KBDB for August Wouters. ‘Silver Dream’ and her half sister ‘Golden Dream’ (also daughter ‘Blue Dream’) bred top racers since their entrance in 2011 and their great strength is that offspring in many generations keep on winning easily … Second pillar are pigeons from German grandmaster Wolfgang Roeper and especially the super pair ‘Magnus’ x ‘Sister Tip Top 5’; the original Roeper pigeons ‘Magnus’ and ‘Antar’ are amongst the best breeders Leideman ever had! … an the third and very important quality injection to the breeding lofts is the wonder 7x 1. prize winner ‘Goed Grijs’ (original Van Den Brande) and her family. She won many races, with leads and the incredible finishing skills were like never seen before. Already many generations offspring of her are winners over the world.
These 3 pillars – ‘Silver Dream’ & ‘Golden Dream’ lines … the Wolfgang Roeper legacy … and the ‘Goed Grijs’ dynasty resulted in a family of pigeons that evaluated as the best allround family of The Netherlands. In almost all the best current racers these bloodlines are combined and mean magic. The creation of colony with a clear philosophy resulted in the exclusive Leideman brand; ‘Dutch Design’! The ‘Dutch Design’ Leideman Brand is like the delftblue china industry; typically Dutch and famous worldwide. Known for its superb quality and always opening mouths because of the top quality. A comparison that is really suits the Leideman pigeon strain.
Pearls of the Leideman colony
‘Goed Grijs’; the fast and furious hen Much has already been said about the glorious Leideman hen BE15-6106415 ‘Goed Grijs’ … she won a total of 7x 1. prize and is especially wellknown with her strong way of finishing. Nevers Bert and André Leideman had a pigeons finishing so fast. “Even in trainings,” Bert says, “she is almost like the fast and the furious!” … the best results of ‘Goed Grijs’ are
- NPO Laon 6,371 b.
- Duffel 5,821 b. 2 minutes lead
- Heusden Zolder 2,775 b.
- Laon 1,052 b.
- Wijchen 786 b.
- Heusden-Zolder 656 b.
- Hapert 231 b.
Because Bert and André were afraid ‘Goed Grijs’ would hurt herself one day rushing so hard over the meadows with a/o barbed wire, the moved her to the breeding loft at the top of her fame … it was in the middle of the 2017 season, when ‘Goed Grijs’ was only still 2 years old and had just won 1 st NPO Laon against 6,371 birds … Together with her father, brothers, sisters and other relative she forms a steady base in the Leideman breeding loft … her direct offspring already won a/o
- Nat. acebird late tour WHZB/TBOTB 2019 (g.child. at Eijerkamp)
- Pissanulok Thailand 333 km 2,310 b. 2020 (g.g.child)
- s-prov. acebird sprint 2019 (child, at Leideman brothers)
- prov. Quievrain 12,633 b. (g.g.child, at Peter Janssen)
- prov. Hannut 5,477 b. (child, at Leideman brother)
- prov. Venlo 4,429 b. (child, at Leideman brothers)
- prize Reg-Verband 386 km 2,580 b. (g.child, at Wolfgang Roeper)
- Blankenheim 1,698 b. (g.child, at Leideman brothers)
- prize Reg-Verband 304 km 1,625 b. (g.child, at Wolfgang Roeper)
- Chimay 1,464 b. (child, at Leideman brothers)
- prize Reg-Verband 306 km 1,384 b. (g.child, at Wolfgang Roeper)
- Chimay 1,006 b. & 2. fastest 18,006 b. (child, at Leideman brothers)
- Chimay 795 b. (g.child, at Leideman Brothers)
- Tongeren 770 b. (child, at Leideman brothers)
- Deurne 526 b. (g.child, at Leideman Brothers)
- prov. Weert 5,552 b. (child, at Leideman brothers) 4. prov. Venlo 4,429 b. (child, at Leideman brothers)
- prov. Weert 1,328 b. (child, at Leideman brothers)
- Venlo YB 603 b. / 4. prov. 3,899 b. (g.child, at Leideman brothers)
- prov. Niergnies 10,065 b. (g.child, at Eijerkamp)
- prov. Niergnies 6,829 b. / 1. – 592 b. (g.child, at Eijerkamp)
- NPO Nanteuil 7,551 b. (g.g.child, at Team Roording)
- final race Pattaya Int. OLR 2020 (g.g.child)
More ‘Goed Grijs’ dynasty at the top Naturally the father of ‘Goed Grijs’, ringed BE12-6054326 and called ‘El Zarka’ also plays a huge role in the Leideman lofts … he and many of children other than ‘Goed Grijs’ bred really, really well … a short overview of some highlights:
- ‘El Zarka’ paired to ‘Goed Grijs’ are a/o g.parents of 1. Venlo YB 603 b. / 4. – 3,899 b. 2019
- ‘Nestmate Goed Grijs’ is breeder of 1. Maaseik 2,276 b. / 3. prov. 10,792 b.
- ‘Uncle Goed Grijs’ offspring won at Neuhaus & Son (Germany) a/o 1. s-prov. yearling 2019 and winners 1. I.prov. Dettelbach 291 km 7,891 b. & 1. s-prov. Neumarkt 394 km / 2. I.prov. 9,368 b.
- ‘254 Sister Goed Grijs’ bred for Marnick De Neve (Belgium) winner of 1. local / 38. Nat. Bourges YL 25,096 b.
- ‘Uncle Goed Grijs’ is breeder of 4.-7. prov. Deurne 4,299 b. and 9. prov. Chimay 9,460 b. for Leideman Brothers
- ‘533 Sister Goed Grijs’ is breeder of ‘Claire’, winner 1. prov. Soest 17,538 b. ’20, & 1. prov. Chalons En Champagne 5,887 b. ’21 & 1. Sens 1,629 b. ’20 and crowned as 1. s-prov. acebird allround in 2021 for Leideman Brothers
‘Magnus’ with his super dynasty!
Original Wolfgang Roeper breeder and superstar of the Leideman breeding lofts is DV01274-2013-481 ‘Magnus’! He is a direct son of ‘Der 269’, crowned as 1. Int. acebird allround Europa Cup 2013 and 1. German Olympiad Yearling for the super champion Wolfgang Roeper. ‘Magnus’ proved himself as an exceptional breeding cock and forms a super pair with NL12-1084460 ‘Sister Tip Top 5’, full sister to the 9. final SA Million Dollar race 2013 and niece of ‘Fernando’, 1. NPO Arras 10,735 b. with a 5 minutes lead … this super pair bred a/o the two wonder hens ‘Raissa’ and ‘Sia’
‘Raissa’ & ‘Sia’; the wonder daughters of ‘Magnus’ One of the grande dames of the Leideman colony is NL15-1234189 ‘Sia’ … Leideman Brothers became famous for their capacities of winning against massive birdages and ‘Sia’ did just that … but only 3 times!! Her highlights are:
- Gennep 107 km 11,041 b. (April 14 th 2018)
- Isnes 265 km 8,665 b. (May 4 th 2019)
- Quievrain 314 km 2,480 b. (May 13 th 2017) She has also won on more races
- Quievrain 10,570 b.
- Morlincourt 4,815 b.
- Heusden-Zolder 11,336 b.

Besides, she bred ‘Liebling’ that excelled as yearling in the 2018 one day long distance season, winning the following prizes:
- Nat. S4 Chateauroux 730 km 3,647 b.
- NPO Lorris 597 km 1,956 b.
- NPO Auxerre 572 km 2,611 b.
- Nat. S4 Bourges 677 km 5,877 p.
The father of ‘Sia’ is ‘Magnus’ and mother is ‘Tip Top 5’… In the wake of a prestigious win from Isnes, Bert announced the end of ‘Sia’s racing career. “Her parents have enormous breeding value, and ‘Sia’ herself bred a one year old hen that was our second best pigeon in the demanding one day races from Bourges and Chateauroux in 2018. André and I agreed that if she could deliver one more time, we would let her retire. And she delivered on 4th of May 2019.”
Breeding such a good pigeon as ‘Sia’ from a breeding pair is a dream for many fanciers; for André and Bert Leideman it meant just ‘one of the many toppers’ from this pair … what to think about the exceptional hen NL15-1234061 ‘Raissa’, bred in the same year as ‘Sia’ but not from the same nest. ‘Raissa’ was one of the hens that playd a big role in the dominating results on the old address Polendwarsstraat in Hardenberg. She has a remarkable palmares, which resulted in a top 5 position over 2 years in the Olympiad competition. ‘Raissa’ won:
- substitute NL Olympiad sprint Poznan 2018
- Duffel 4,613 b. & fastest of 6,969 b.
- Quievrain 10,570 b. behind loft mate
- Niergnies 9,897 b.
- Heusden-Zolder 5,927 b.
- Heusden-Zolder 11,336 b.
- Rethel 1,867 b.
- Weert 5,552 b.
- Chimay 3,809 b.
- Hannut 5,447 b.
- Heusden-Zolder 4,686 b.
- Laon 9,947 b.
- Rethel 4,692 b.

Another direct child of the pair ‘Magnus’ x ‘Sister Tip Top 5’ is the pigeon ‘Olympic Wolfgang’ 691/17 raced at Wolfgang Roeper … this super talent is selected for the Olympiad cat D allround 2022 and won 5x 1. prize in big competition!! His highlight are:
- RV Lubieszyn 304 km 1,124 b. 2018
- RV Lubieszyn 304 km 846 b. 2018
- RV Demmin 214 km 1,187 b. 2019
- RV Starogard 379 km 2,947 b. 2019
- RV Lubieszyn 304 km 1,265 b. 2020
Latest news; ‘Olympic Wolfgang’ comes back to it roots and will be new star in the breeding lofts of Leideman Brothers!!
The legendary Gerard Koopman also strongly believes in the strength of ‘Magnus’ x ‘Sister Tip Top 5’ and bought the nestmates ‘Yara’ and ‘The 900 Man’, brother and sister therefore to ‘Raissa’, ‘Sia’ and ‘Olympic Wolfgang’ … for Gerard Koopman these super pigeons bred winners already! ‘Yara’ is mother of Gerard Koopman’s winner of 1. Nat. SIV Lorris 3,455 b. in 2021 … and ‘The 900 Man’ is grandfather of the 1. I.prov. acebird long distance for Stefan Göbel in the province of SouthHolland!
Last but not least; the hen of the current nr. 1 breeding pair of Leideman ‘Arturo’ x ‘Tila’ is a full sister to ‘Sia’ and ‘Raissa’ … direct children of ‘Tila’ are winners of
- Nat. S4 Chateauroux 731 km 3,647 b.
3.-8.-13.-14. Nat. S4 Lorris 597 km 6,086 b.
Grandchildren of ‘Tila’ grabbed massive wins on at least 8 different lofts!!! Their highlights are:
- Nat. S2 Vierzon 567 km 7,956 b. (at G. & S. Verkerk)
- NPO Argenton 568 km 3,127 d. (at Gijs Baan)
- I.prov. Sittard 18,592 b. (at Foppe VD Meer)
- prov. Kalkar 13,922 b. & 8. Nat. acebird PIPA Rankings (at Fam Broos)
- prov. Fontenay 6,455 b. (at Gebr. Scheele)
3x 1. prov. winner 2,580 – 1,625 – 1,384 b. (at Wolfgang Roeper)
1.-2.-2.-2.-3.-4.-7.-7.-8.-10. avg. 1.300 d. (at Wolfgang Roeper)
- Sittard 986 b. (at Leideman Brothers)
- prize 460 km 620 b. (at H. & S. Harms) ‘Silver Dream’ & ‘Golden Dream’; the super sisters!
The base breeding hens ‘Silver Dream’ and ‘Golden Dream’ created a furore in The Netherlands and far beyond. They both bred generations of winners and acebirds. They are both bred by Stellerman from the exceptional ‘Blue Dream’, 1. Nat. acebird sprint KBDB Belgium 2009 and winner 10x 1. prize from Quivrain for August Wouters. This excellence must be the base for the outstanding breeding references of ‘Silver Dream’ and ‘Golden Dream’ for the Leideman Brothers. The mother of ‘Silver Dream’ was a daughter of Gerard Koopman’s renowned ‘Kleine Dirk’ and the mother of ‘Golden Dream’ is a daughter of ‘Fieneke 5000’ Vervoort.


Superwoman ‘Jet’, triple massive winner Direct daughter of ‘Silver Dream’ x ‘Torsten’ (original Roeper from ‘16’, Olympiad & 7. Nat. acebird) is the wonderful hen NL15-1234091 ‘Jet’! She is in a league of her own, with three incredible first prizes in the last decade:
- Asse Zellik 11,343 b.
- I.prov. Gien 611 km 7,768 b.
- Rethel 4,692 b.
- Laon 6,371 b.
- Duffel 5,821 b.

‘Jet’ proved herself a tremendous breeder already! She is a/o father of wonderful ‘Viton’, winner of the top prizes:
- prov. Deurne 4,299 b.
- Weert 11,059 b. after 2 loft mates
- Venlo 3,696 b.
- Gennep 6,676 b.
‘Viton’ bred the magical ‘Speedy Grizzle’ at Eijerkamp family, winner of a/o 5. prov. Niergnies 10,065 b., 6. prov. Niergnies 6,829 b. and 6. Quievrain 6,091 b. after 5 loft mates and crowned as 1. Nat. acebird late tour WHZB/TBOTB 2019 … in 2021 a full brother to ‘Speedy Grizzle’ won 1. prov. Quievrain 12,633 b. for the German champion Peter Janssen … Another direct son of ‘Jet’ is ‘Miles’, winner of a/o 1. Chimay 600 b. … Gerard and Harold Calis (NL) have a super breeder direct from ‘Jet’ that already bred them winners of:
- prov. acebird allround 2020 appr. 17,000 birds
- Fay aux Loges – 921 birds
- PS Maxence – 570 birds
- Nat. acebird YL ‘De Allerbeste’ 2020
- Nat. acebird allround ‘De Allerbeste’ 2020
And last but not least; ‘Jet’ is grandmother of NL19-1248793 ‘Claire’ one of the best current racers of Leideman Brothers … ‘Claire’ is winner of
- prov. Soest 17,538 b. ’20
- prov. Chalons En Champagne 5,887 b. ’21
- Sens 1,629 b. ’20
- s-prov. acebird allround in 2021 A full sister to ‘Jet’ is the hen NL17-1647663, herself winner of a/o 9. Nat. S4 Lorris 597 km 6,086 b. and 9. Auxerre 572 km 1,208 b. … and she is also mother of ‘Charlene’, winner of 1. NPO Chalons 433 km 3,892 b. … brother to ‘Jet’ is ‘Voltar’, crowned as 2. acebird long distance Fed. and 1. prize winner 394 b., 2. prize 314 km 1,791 b. and 4. prize 730 km 3,098 b. … nestmate to ‘Voltar’ is winner of 1. Rethel 1,494 b. and a direct son of Last but not least; the cock of the current nr. 1 breeding pair of Leideman ‘Arturo’ x ‘Tila’ is a direct son of ‘Voltar’ … direct children of ‘Arturo’ are winners of
- Nat. S4 Chateauroux 731 km 3,647 b.
3.-8.-13.-14. Nat. S4 Lorris 597 km 6,086 b.
Grandchildren of ‘Arturo’ grabbed massive wins on at least 8 different lofts!!! Their highlights are:
- Nat. S2 Vierzon 567 km 7,956 b. (at G. & S. Verkerk)
- NPO Argenton 568 km 3,127 d. (at Gijs Baan)
- I.prov. Sittard 18,592 b. (at Foppe VD Meer)
- prov. Kalkar 13,922 b. & 8. Nat. acebird PIPA Rankings (at Fam Broos)
- prov. Fontenay 6,455 b. (at Gebr. Scheele)
3x 1. prov. winner 2,580 – 1,625 – 1,384 b. (at Wolfgang Roeper)
1.-2.-2.-2.-3.-4.-7.-7.-8.-10. avg. 1.300 d. (at Wolfgang Roeper)
- Sittard 986 b. (at Leideman Brothers)
- prize 460 km 620 b. (at H. & S. Harms)
- I.prov. acebird allround +1,000 mmb.
- I.prov. acebird middle dist. + 1,000 mmb.
- Nat. acebird middle dist. WHZB/TBOTB
- Weert 5,230 b.
- Boxtel 1,961 b.
- Quievrain 10,570 b.
- Laon 6,371 b.
- Rethel 7,115 b.

‘Ace 820’ earned a prominent position in the breeding loft of the Leideman brothers and his offspring is already very promising! His direct daughter ‘Rachel’ is winner of a/o
- Weert 11,059 b. an amazing massive win.
Another direct child of ‘Ace 820’ is winner of 1. Venlo 603 b. / 4. prov. 3,899 b. and besides ‘Ace 820’ is grandfather of ‘Bert’, at Eijerkamp family winner of
- Nat. acebird late tour WHZB/TBOTB 2019
- prov. Niergnies 10,065 b. after loft mate Also 12.-22.-68. avg. +5,000 b.
Full sister to ‘Ace 820’ is NL16-1075911 ‘Fayene’ who developed as a super breeding hen, being mother of a/o:
- NL19-1248738
- NPO Chalons En Chalons YB 433 km 3,892 b. beaten by 2 loft mates
- ‘Vessa’
- Auxerre 572 km 1,208 b. / 4. NPO 2,611 b.
- Wijchen 1,105 b.
- NPO Troyes 2,485 b.
- ‘Zanissa’
- Tongeren 1,874 b.
- Rethel 1,703 b.
- Vervins 8,753 b.
- Quievrain 10,570 b.
- Weert 2,056 b.
- ‘Greg’
- s-prov. acebird sprint 2019 (after ‘Eva’)
- Venlo 1,078 b. / 13. – 6,128 b.
- regional acebird middle dist. 2016
- Soissons 6,403 b.
- Morlincourt 5,934 b.
- Sens 4,237 b.
- Lorris 1,769 b.

One of the first references of this super cock came in via Thailand, where a direct child was entered for the prestigious Pattaya Int. One Loft Race … this child of ‘Crack 19’ turned out to be one of the best racers of its edition, winning a/o 1.-1.-3.-8. in Training races Pattaya Int. One Loft Race … in 2021 one of the best Leideman racers NL19-1248716 is a direct daughter of ‘Crack 19’… in the last years she won several super positions, her best performances are
- Arlon 1,145 b. / 3. NPO 2,597 b. ’19
- Fed. 722 b. / 3. prov. Rethel 5,971 b. ‘21
- prov. Ludenscheid 18,737 b. ’21
- prov. Rethel 8,181 b. ’20
- prov. Munster 18,452 b. ’21
‘Crack 19’ also plays a big role in the new star breeding pair ‘Arturo’ x ‘Tila’ as father of ‘Arturo’… Direct children of ‘Arturo’ are winners of
- Nat. S4 Chateauroux 731 km 3,647 b.
3.-8.-13.-14. Nat. S4 Lorris 597 km 6,086 b.
Grandchildren of ‘Arturo’ grabbed massive wins on at least 8 different lofts!!! Their highlights are:
- Nat. S2 Vierzon 567 km 7,956 b. (at G. & S. Verkerk)
- NPO Argenton 568 km 3,127 d. (at Gijs Baan)
- I.prov. Sittard 18,592 b. (at Foppe VD Meer)
- prov. Kalkar 13,922 b. & 8. Nat. acebird PIPA Rankings (at Fam Broos)
- prov. Fontenay 6,455 b. (at Gebr. Scheele)
3x 1. prov. winner 2,580 – 1,625 – 1,384 b. (at Wolfgang Roeper)
1.-2.-2.-2.-3.-4.-7.-7.-8.-10. avg. 1.300 d. (at Wolfgang Roeper)
- Sittard 986 b. (at Leideman Brothers)
- prize 460 km 620 b. (at H. & S. Harms)
But much more ‘Crack 19’ offspring performed outstanding; just a small selection of the very best:
- ‘587/19’ at Eijerkamp (g.child)
- prov. Niergnies 10,065 b. after 6 loft mates
- prov. Niergnies 6,829 b.
- ‘Claire’ at Leideman Brothers (g.child)
- prov. Soest 17,538 b. ’20
- prov. Chalons En Champagne 5,887 b. ’21
- Sens 1,629 b. ’20
- s-prov. acebird allround in 2021
- ‘Super Nova’ for Calis (g.child)
- prov. acebird allround 2020 appr. 17,000 birds
- Nat. acebird YL ‘De Allerbeste’ 2020
- Nat. acebird allround ‘De Allerbeste’ 2020
- Fay aux Loges 921 b.
- PS Maxence 570 b.
Also 4.-7.-7.-10. prize in big competition
- ‘Spartan Eye’ at Team Roording (g.g.child)
- NPO Nanteuil 7,551 b.
- NPO Laon 11,179 b.
Next to ‘Crack 19’ several more toppers came from ‘Golden Dream’ … two of their best are a/o the amazing ‘Tesla’
- Asse Zelik 11,745 b. with 5 min. lead
- Asse Zelik 11,474 b. after loft mate And the other one is ‘One O 5’
- Niergnies 355 km 1,916 b. / 2. – 9,897 b.
- Tessenderloo 195 km 10,314 b.
- Asse Zellik 247 km 2,573 b.
‘One O 5’ is breeder of winners of a/o 1. prov. Hannut 5,447 b. … 1. Chimay 1,464 b. … 1. Chimay 1,006 b. / 2. prov. 9,460 b. … 3. Wijchen 1,105 b. … 4. prov. Weert 5,552 b. … 4. prov. Venlo 4,429 b. … 4. prov. Weert 1,328 b. … and 8. prov. Asse Zellik 4,712 b. ‘One O 5’ is also g.father of the amazing ‘Speedy Grizzle’, crowned as 1. Nat. acebird late tour WHZB/TBOTB 2019 for the Eijerkamp family. The new wonder couple Arturo x Tila
Sometimes as a fancier you realise it when you are handling gold with a certain couple. This realisation came to André and Bert on the 7th of Juli 2019 at the race of Lorris, 597 km. “A challenging NPO race where the fastest pigeons had to hit 1150 mpm; it meant hard work, but it really was an honest battle. We managed to achieve a strong result with 7 pigeons among the first 14 of the National sector 4 of 6086 pigeons. Our first two pigeons (‘Aura’ and ‘Nancy’) as well as the winners of the 13. and 14. National (‘Haley’ and ‘Fabio’) all came from ‘Arturo’ x ‘Tila’ … and every single one of those pigeons turned out to be more than a one-day wonder, they all would continue to win 1st prizes multiple times! This was the confirmation for us that this couple was worth gold.

At the final race with the young pigeons in 2019, NPO Chalons over 433 km, the Leideman brothers won 1. NPO against 3,892 birds and that was with a grandchild of ‘Arturo’ x ‘Tila’ … breeding power that stays for multiple generations. It became the reason for the two men to give this couple a prominent place in their breeding loft… and in 2020 and 2021 this decision proved to have been worth it with a formidable collection of references from other top lofts.
- G. & S. Verkerk, 1. Nat. S2 Vierzon 567 km 7,956 b.
Gerard & Bas Verkerk bought the super pigeon ‘Fabio’, son of ‘Arturo’ x ‘Tila’, at the auction in 2019. ‘Fabio’ became the father of ‘The Flying Dutchman’, winner of the Grand Prix race Vierzon in sector 2
- Gijs Baan, 1. NPO Argenton 568 km 3,127 b.
Even before the auction of 2019, Gijs got a son of ‘Arturo’ x ‘Tila’ … from which he bred a
- NPO Argenton in province 1 Zeeland with speeds of 1184 mpm.
- Family Broos, 8. Nat. acebird and 1. provincial 13,922 b.
In 2017 family Broos bought the nest brother of ‘Fabio’ … from which they bred, amongst others, the 8. Nat. acebird PIPA Ranking Yearlings 2019. Another child of ‘Nestbrother Fabio’ won in 2020 at Kalkar (158 km) the 1. place in province against 13,922 b.
- Wolfgang Roeper, 1. provincial 304 km 1,625 b.
With a/o Leideman pigeons he was crowned 2. Nat. yearling champion 2020 and even 1. Nat. yearling champion 2019 … On the 13th of June 2021 he won with a direct Leideman bird NL19-1248667 the 1. provincial 1,625 b. from Lubieszyn 304 km … the winner came from ‘Nanny’ (daughter ‘Arturo’ x ‘Tila’) x son of ‘Goed Grijs’.
- R.C. Bakker, 5. prov. Melun 428 km 5,644 b.
Ruud and Dolf Bakker bought ‘Nancy’, child of ‘Arturo’ x ‘Tila’ at the Leidemans PIPA auction at the end of 2019. A yearling child of her won 5. place in province against 5,644 b.
- H. & S. Harms, 1.-2.-3. prize winners Holger and Sonja Harms from North Germany got a daughter of ‘Arturo’ x ‘Tila’ and bred from her a/o 1. prize 460 km 620 b. … 2. prize 160 km 1,300 b. … and 3. prize 460 km 390 b.
- Maarten Huijsmans, 1. Fed. winner 1,702 b.
He put his faith into the Leideman pigeons and bought ‘Super Bonny’ … h.sister ‘Arturo’ (same mother, ‘Voltar’). ‘Super Bonny’ bred 1. prize winner 1,702 b.
- Neuhaus & Son, 1.-7,891 b. & 2.-9,368 b. They bred excellent with a sister of ‘Claire’ (from h.brother ‘Arturo’ with ‘Goed Grijs’ lines) … On June 12 th 2021, they won 1. Fed. 394 km, also 2. provincial 9,386 b. … the week after the same pigeon won 1. provincial 291 km from 7,891 b.
- Wolfgang Roeper, 1. prov. winner 284 km 3,769 b.
The original Leideman ace NL18-1459358 is bred from brother ‘Tila’. The 358 won 1. provincial Ueckermünde 284 km 3,769 b. with an average speed of 1278 mpm.
- T. & J. Elzinga, 3. NPO Lorris 642 km 2,991 b.
The well-known father and son Elzinga bred the 3. NPO Vierzon from a brother of ‘Voltar’ (mother of ‘Arturo’).
- Foppe van der Meer, 1. I.prov. Sittard 243 km 18,592 b.
From a full brother of ‘Fabio’, Foppe bred the winner of the 1. prov. Sittard 8,802 b. This was also the fastest of 18,598 b.
- Scheele Brothers, 1. prov. Fontenay 365 km 6,455 b.
Jaap Scheele bought a daughter of ‘Arturo’ x ‘Tila’ at the auction of Leideman Brothers in 2019 … and from that hen, he has now bred the 1. prov. Fontenay against almost 6,500 b.
- Wolfgang Roeper, 1. prize 263 km 821 b.
The super pigeon DV01274-18-2 of Wolfgang Roeper, bred by Torsten and Edgar Noak from NL17-1647975 child ‘Arturo’ x ‘Tila’ wins the 1. prize 264 km 821 b., also 2. against 2,131 b. … in addition, this ace won 2. prize 408 km 2,442 b., 2. prize 152 km 1,058 b., 3. prize 400 km 2,947
b. and also 4.-7.-7.-8.-10.-11. against an average of well over 1,300 b.

The couple ‘Arturo’ x ‘Tila’ represents 2 out of the 3 pillars upon which the Leideman-colony has been built. Namely that of ‘Golden Dream’ and ‘Silver Dream’, two wonder breeders from the 1. Nat. acebird ‘Blue Dream’ (Wouters) and the bloodlines of Wolfgang Roper, the German superstar. NL16-1076052 Arturo is half brother of the winners 1.-1.-3.-8. on the training races Pattaya Int. OLR and a direct son of ‘Crack 19’, 1. regional ace middle distance 2016 with 4x top 6 NPO/prov. … He was paired to ‘Voltar’, 2. acebird middle distance, from who 3 generations of descendants achieved among others; 1. prov. Quievrain 10,570 b., 1. prov. Venlo 3,696 b., 2. prov. Weert 11,059 b. after loftmate, 2. prov. Niergnies 10,065 b. after loftmate, 3. prov. Chimay 9,460 b., 9. Nat. ace cock Germany 2019 (at Roeper) and 11. Nat. acebird late tour WHZB/TBOTB 2019 (at Eijerkamp) … So ‘Arturo’ is a grandchild of 3 of the best Leideman breeders:
- ‘Torsten’, direct Roeper superbreeder
- ‘Silver Dream’, nr. 1 Leideman stockbreeder & daughter ‘Blue Dream’
- ‘Golden Dream’, super breeding hen Leideman & daughter ‘Blue Dream’ ‘Arturo’ was paired to NL15-1234049 ‘Tila’, a full sister of ‘Raissa’ the 1. reserve NL Olympic Sprint pigeon Poznan 2018 with 1.-2.-3.-3.-5. against an average over 8,000 b. Other siblings are, among others. ‘Sia’ with 3x 1. prov. against average over 7,000 b. … ‘Olympic Wolfgang’, 5x 1. prize in big races and allaround Olympiad bird … ‘595’, 2x top 10 provincial with family Eijerkamp. ‘Tila’ is a daughter of the stock cock ‘Magnus’ original Wolfgang Roeper paired to a sister ‘Tip Top 5’, winner 9. final race Million Dollar Race 2013.
Most recent successes in Collendoorn

Besides the multitude of references, André and Bert performed quite well themselves on the new lofts in Collendoorn. Some of the highlights in 2021:
1.-4.-15.-29.-31. NPO prov. Chalons and Champagne 5,887 b.
- prov. Chimay 14,065 b.
1.-2.-3.-4.-5.-6.-7.-9. Kalkar 1,167 b.
1.-7.-9. Fed. Sittard 986 b.
1.-2.-3. Fed. Chimay 795 b.
- Fed. 722 b. / 3. prov. Rethel 5,971 b.
2.-3.-4.-6.-9.-10.-11.-12.-13.-14.-16.-17.-18.-19.-20.-21 Ludenscheid 18,737 b.
- NPO Sens 4,995 b.
3.-6.-11. prov. Dreis Bruck 18,212 b.
5.-17.-20.-21.-23.-24.-26.-27.-28. prov. Munster 18,452 b.
- NPO SIV Lorris 3,455 b.
“We are extremely proud of what we achieved,” is the conclusion of André and Bert Leideman. “As little kids we started with a little shed at our grandmother’s house and now pigeons are our life work. For that the last decades we have always been looking for super pigeons all around the world to become better and better … and now world famous fanciers as Eijerkamp Family, Wolfgang Roeper, Gerard Koopman, G. & S. Verkerk and many more come to us to reinforce their lofts … we believe our breeding loft is now on the level we always wished it would be; we’re producing winners in many generations all over the world.”
Mark Walker and Gebr. Leideman (NL)

Mark Walker is known for bringing some of the best racing pigeon lines into the UK and has once again done it by bringing in the Leideman family of pigeons into his stud.
The Leideman pigeons are responsible for some phenomenal results on the continents and Mark has secured a three year deal with these top Dutch fanciers.
Along side this and the other amazing pigeons Mark has in his collection he has massively extended his facilities in the West Midlands.










Marks breeding facility now manages some of the top continental lines around and is going from strength to strength.
Just last week the Leideman pigeons posted some amazing results racing against the strongest of competitions. See below:

Visit Mark Walkers Pigeons Website Here
The Making Of A Dream.
The Journey of Orlando Golden Classic’s
Roby Delgado
Through the pigeon racing sport, we have met many people. People from all over the world, various countries, cultures, and backgrounds. Roby Delgado was one of those people. Still in the infancy of our racing loft, we attended the Hoosier in 2018. Hoping to win big for our charity, with our one bird entry. We attended the Gala with little hope of fitting in, after all those in attendance had solid relationships formed over years of acquaintance. Ignoring the lack of social decorum, we invited ourselves to sit with a small group of strangers. There were four others at the table, and they too graciously ignored our lack of invitation; making room for us and smiling those uncomfortable smiles reserved for just such times.
Roby sat across from us, quietly observing the room. Occasionally speaking to the gentleman next to him. As the evening wore on, we slowly delved into conversation. Going around the table like school mates introducing ourselves.
Roby lives in Orlando Florida, USA but was born and raised in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. Roby explained, seeking a better life, he had climbed into a boat with nothing but the clothes he wore and made the five-day journey to America. He came here
with nothing, became a citizen, and built his successful business. Stunned we sat listening to this young man in his thirties tell of a history that legends are made of. The subject faded and as with all pigeon sportsmen our attentions were drawn back to the sport and the upcoming race. While we didn’t win with our single bird, Roby did quite well. We parted ways but Roby and his incredible journey had gained a place of respect in our lives.
When I approached Roby asking permission to share his journey and the incredible race he has built, I hadn’t imagined how much my research on the subject would affect me. Roby tells the story of his migration with quiet dignity. I could not have imagined the dangers, terrors and sacrifices he endured to begin his new life here in the United States.
Currently in Cuba, people can travel internationally, due to changes created following Castro’s rule. But for a long time leaving the island was a crime and was subject to up to ten years in prison. A prison sentence often meant living in a 200-foot cell with several other men, one open toilet, and 2-hours a week to see the sun. The government claims that their prisoners have rights such as visits with family, adequate food, payment for work, a right to request parole; but, police and prison officials have in reality denied these rights, beating, neglecting, isolating, and denying medical treatment to prisoners. This includes those convicted of political crimes such as defecting and those who expressed views that countered the Political doctrine.” Beyond the worry of jail time, in Cuba often a family would have been targeted for punishment as well.
Cuba is rumored to have one of the largest prison systems in comparison to it’s population in the world, with approximately 100,000 prisoners in it’s suggested 200 prisons and labor camps in an area that is slightly smaller than the State of Pennsylvania. The numbers quoted are not a true representation as the Cuban Government does not release data, nor does it allow any inspections of it’s prison system. This high imprisonment rate would have been a terrifying prospect for a young man considering getting into a boat escape to the United States.
”Here, people get thrown in prison for anything,” Roca said in a telephone interview from Havana, adding that breaking the law is often a matter of survival in a country where the government’s monthly food rations last less than two weeks and the average wage is about $10 per month. ”If you kill a cow to feed your family, you go to jail,” Roca said. “That’s part of the government’s method to maintain control over the population.”
Owners of private restaurants known as paladares can land in jail if they sell lobsters — officially reserved for tourist hotels and government-owned restaurants. So can those who exhibit behavior deemed by authorities as ”dangerous” or who sell their homes or cars without government approval.3
All of this is a high price to pay to have a better life.
I imagined what that day was like; it must have been heart wrenching for Roby. But he boarded the boat, determined to seek a better life in the United States. Here was a life-altering decision, without any certainty that he would see his family again, since returning might land him in prison; but determined he entered a dangerous sea where you could die of drowning, dehydration, or shark attacks; if you were caught by Cuban authorities, you would be sent to prison, and if you reached America, he would encounter a totally different society with no money, job, contacts, nor any grasp of the English language. Everything Roby knew, his friends, family, the country, and culture he had grown up in would be left behind.
I wonder if he anticipated the battle that was ahead of him, the dangers he would encounter, beginning with the first 12 miles. Owned by Cuba, and patrolled by officers who might have shot them on sight.
Past that first 12-miles, looms international territory, The Florida Straits’ are rife with dangers that include, deadly coral, sharks, huge ocean waves, heat during the day and freezing wet temps at night.
Congress had passed the Cuban Adjustment Act in 1966, allowing Cubans who touch US soil to be eligible for citizenship, but from the point of leaving Cuba and the ultimate dream of arriving on land in the USA was a horror film-esc scenario, one that Roby survived.
But that was not the end of his journey. During our awkward conversation those many years ago, Roby had spoken passionately of his dreams of running his own OLR. Within a couple of years, Roby had made that dream a reality. As Roby had done with every aspect of his life, he has tenaciously created his dream, The Orlando Golden Classic. We weren’t surprised when the first year of his race was a stunning success.
Based in Orlando Florida, the Orlando Golden Classic OLR, offers a four-race series. He has maintained that commitment to providing the highest level of communication and transparency.
In every update and race one can clearly see the amount of effort and work that both the birds and Robby put into the series. The final race update stated,
“…the first 6 birds of the 501-mile race had spent 9 hours and 15 minutes on the wings”. Much like Roby’s own journey across the water all those years ago, determination and grit was what was displayed by those first six birds, but also work ethic and consistency on the part of the handler. Just like his journey through his life, he has pushed forward, working to bring his family, his own loft and now the OLR birds to the success. The second race series for 2021 is currently underway, I can’t help but smile when I think of Roby as he was at that dinner party in 2018. His eyes alight with hope and his voice alive, as his dream spilled from is lips. How honestly humble he was as he skimmed over his journey here, his impossible climb from nothing to success, that humbleness and integrity is still present.
In every aspect of his life and OLR, I read his words, part of an update on Wincompanion Home Page (wincompanion.com) :
“Good morning Breeders,
… I can’t wait to start receiving the 2021 youngsters and to officially commence our 2nd Season. I also want to thank all new breeders who have subscribed to our race, and for those who are returning breeders this year, you are the reason we are blessed to do what we love, THANK YOU AGAIN!
Thank you all for the support and I look forward to a great year of racing here at Orlando Golden Classic”.
But While Roby has seen one of his aspirations come to fruition, other dreams are still in the making. As discussed, Roby left Cuba to create a better life; he left behind his family and loved ones. After a ten year separation, Roby and his sister were reunited. Her visit to The United States was a joyous occasion for everyone.
This reunion came on the cusp of a major crisis in Cuba. Cubans protested against the Communist government that has oppressed so many generations of Cuban citizens. Roby shared his hope for change with his friends and acquaintances. That hope is tempered with the consequences for the Cuban citizens in Cuba. With an insistence that the United States was responsible for the protests, the Cuban authorities have shut down the internet and, communication with anyone from the Island has been limited. 1
However, the protests were inspired by a shortage of food, power and medicine; leaving Roby and the rest of America concerned for those who live within Cuban. The hope for change is certainly being weighed against the price. Like Roby the path to a new life for those who are pushing for change will be treacherous. And, like Roby, the first steps while difficult are not the only dangers.
The Cuban government steadfastly denies allegations of abuse, instead pointing to the strict embargo on the island that has been imposed by the US since 1962, which according to them is the main cause of the great economic problems of the island. 2
While the unrest has mostly settled within Cuba, a spark of hope for change has been ignited. Change within the Cuban boundaries, but also here in the United States. The light that has been shed on equality will hopefully spread, to encompass those like Roby, who came seeking a better life and have faced repudiation for their origins.
Despite the unknown of his homeland, the uncertainty of his loved ones, Roby continues to push forward. Running his OLR with humility, transparency and honesty; loving his family and friends with respect and kindness and, living the life he sacrificed so much to achieve.
I end this article the same way as I began, with absolute respect for Roby and his incredible journey.
For more information on the Orlando Golden Classic: Orlando Golden Classic – Welcome
Yoannys Sainz, winner of Big Andy’s OLR in 2020, recommended Orlando Golden Classic; writing on FB on August 4, 2019:
“This will be a great race!!! We need experience handler doing race like this Good Luck”
Jorge Iglesias recommended Orlando Golden Classic on FB as well, writing on August 5, 2019:
“You will get one of the best flyer in Orlando handle your birds. One of the best pigeon in Orlando is who takes care of your pigeons.”
Kelly Jo Stone
Photos provided
References:
2. Cuba – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
3. ( NANCY SAN MARTIN, nsanmartin@herald.com) Cuba’s many prisons may hold 100,000 (latinamericanstudies.org)
Johnny McWhirter Interviews Colin Leask
Interview with Gabriel Radu – International Winner, from Constanta, Romania
Interview with Gabriel Radu from Constanta , Romania about his International Bourges win last week. Great interview with a great guy. The best part about this win was that the pigeon was 100% Romanian!
Keep Flying!
Mark Lyford
Meeting Eric Pickersgill – The Miler Racing King
Zandie and I had a great day yesterday. After looking forward all week to the day we went up to Barnsley to meet Eric. What a lovely man and a fountain of knowledge when it comes to milers. Zandie and I spent a couple of hours with Eric talking about milers and the days of the past when it used to be very popular. Eric has been racing milers since he was a boy and also runs the Short Distance Union. Zandie and I collected some milers from Eric that he kindly agreed to sell us. These pigeons are stunning and we are really pleased to have them. I’m really looking forward to these birds being the foundation of reviving the miler racing and introducing it to the Midlands. Like I have said before, I really think getting miler racing going again could help to bring new people not the sport as its very different to regular racing (homers as Eric calls them) I’m pleased to say Eric has agreed to do an interview in the future to share his views of the miler racing and I am keen to get Erics knowledge recorded for everyone to hear. I will be arranging to do the interview in the coming months when I go back up to Barnsley to record this amazing mans wisdom. Here are some pictures from the day.
Eric says miler racing is the best sport in the world. I think he may be right from some of the stories he was telling us yesterday. I’m looking forward to helping to revive miler racing throughout the UK.
Keep Flying
Mark Lyford
RPRA Update – June 1st 2020
The RPRA have just given an update about racing in the England . Check it out here >> https://www.rpra.org/pigeon-racing-in-england-update/
A few words about giving up, resilience and NEVER GIVING UP.
A few words about giving up, resilience and NEVER GIVING UP.
If you have ever felt like giving up this message is for you.
I have a lived a life that has been full of major ups and downs.
- Lived in the Bahamas, with a multi million pound business.
- Lost is all (and more)
- Bankrupt (twice)
- Divorced and my boys not living with me
- Got arrested
- Sent to prison for 2 years
- Launch a high tech biz which failed horribly
- Been suicidal without even knowing it
- Many failed relationships (Im lucky to have a great lady in my life now)
- Lived in a static caravan for 18 months
- Got conned by scammers for a lot of money
- Been penniless again
- Been threatened by trolls
- Only last Saturday had my car firebombed by three thugs
It’s safe to say I have experienced pretty much everything other than serious physical ill health.
Over the last 18 years I have felt like giving up many times. Too many to mention. Over the last week which has been one of the worst ever have I felt like giving up once or twice.
But here’s the thing.. I have NEVER given up and I will never give up!
The only time you will see me give up is when Im laying in my coffin being ready to be lit up… Until then this guy will keep going no matter what.
The great thing about experiencing everything I have been through it builds up a level of resilience in you that means you will keep going no matter what….
Im going to take a few days off now and be with my Gabi, I’m going to finish the rest of my pigeon lofts, tidy up the garden and I will be back on Monday with my RPI Live Show (for racing pigeons) I will also take the weekend to plan out my next move, which will include continuing with RPI and I will also be launching my new Real Entrepreneur TV show soon plus other things.
I’m a born entrepreneur, sometimes I have learned the hard way but at heart I was born to be one.
Intention is everything folks. If you have the right intentions thats what matters. And despite what my haters think I have only ever had the best intentions to do good by people, be fair and try and build a life and businesses that not only help me but others. I will continue with those intentions no matter what.
And to all my haters reading this.. You hate me? Why would you read it, listen or watch me when you hate me so much? 😉
At the end of the day I know who I am, my family, friends and good people around me who support me know the real me and what I’m about. Its easy to read google and get a one sided story. If people want to know the real me they only have to contact me.
So if you have ever thought of giving up. Please think of this post and ask yourself.. Can you carry on? Sure you can. No matter what. No matter what anyone thinks or you may think at the time.
Keep going, be a resilient mofo., never quite always keep trying and surround yourself with good people with the right intentions. Look up to the sky and see how blessed we are.
Life is short, so let’s make the best of each and ever day ehh.
One last thing. I am ALWAYS here for anyone who maybe struggling and wants to talk. Always.
Marky Out.