Chomutov Race Opens the 2026 Marathon Season in the Western Province

The first marathon race of the 2026 season in Romania's Western Province, organized by the Arad Pigeon Racing Association, brought together 508 fanciers and 6,254 racing pigeons from the counties of Arad, Bihor, Bistrița-Năsăud, Cluj, Maramureș, Mureș, Sălaj, and Timiș. The birds were liberated from Chomutov, Czech Republic, on July 3 at 07:12, with favorable tailwinds contributing to a highly competitive race. Cosmin Karscu Wins the

In recent years, few initiatives have generated as much interest in Romanian pigeon racing as Barcelona Winners Club, an ambitious project created to demonstrate that Romanian pigeon genetics can compete on equal terms with the most prestigious lofts in Europe in the legendary international marathon races. A Brief History The project was launched at the end of 2021, when a group of Romania’s elite fanciers decided to

For Bogdan Sorin, the string of outstanding results on the Greek route continues in 2026

Ever since the very first marathon season on the Greek route, Bogdan Sorin, from Târgu Jiu, Gorj County, has consistently produced outstanding results. Although it was an entirely unfamiliar route, presenting challenges unique at national level, Bogdan Sorin's pigeons adapted remarkably well from the very beginning, maintaining that level of performance without interruption ever since. The 2024 season marked the first time

International Barcelona 2026: A Spectacular Edition with Over 16,000 Racing Pigeons Entered and a Romanian International Winner

The International Barcelona race remains the ultimate test of European long-distance pigeon racing, and the 2026 edition once again lived up to its legendary status. A total of 16,278 racing pigeons from six countries were entered, with liberation taking place on 3 July at 07:45 CEST under favourable weather conditions, featuring clear skies and a northerly wind. Historic Victory for Nicu Bărbulescu The first arrivals were recorded

Electrolytes – The Key to Rapid Recovery and Maintaining Racing Form

In modern pigeon racing, electrolytes are discussed more and more frequently, yet their true role in post-race recovery is not always fully understood. Many fanciers administer electrolytes only after particularly demanding races or during periods of extreme heat. In reality, however, maintaining the proper electrolyte balance has a direct impact on hydration, muscle function, and the speed at which racing pigeons recover after exertion

Approximately 5,000 Pigeons Entered in the Vilnius II Marathon. Gheorghiță Tanasă and Adrian Dencef Deliver the Standout Performances

While the National Riga race attracted the attention of most Romanian fanciers, several other marathon races were also held across the Moldavian region during the same weekend. Among them was the Vilnius II Marathon, featuring competitors from the Neamț and Iași Federations. A total of 276 fanciers entered the race, including 170 from the Neamț Federation and 106 from the Iași Federation, with an overall entry

Riga National – the Benchmark Race of the 2026 Season. Gherasim & Dobândă Partnership and Ionuț Aga Take the Top Honors

Season after season, the partnership of Marius Gherasim and Marius Dobândă continues to strengthen its position among Romania's elite marathon pigeon fanciers. Their impressive record, built over the past years and enriched with national titles and victories in some of the country's most prestigious marathon races, is a testament to the quality of their loft. In the 2024 season, the duo claimed the prestigious Berlin

Andrei Plugaru Wins the Bialystok Marathon Race

On June 7, the Bacău and Vaslui branches organized the first marathon race of the 2026 racing season. A total of 6,647 pigeons were entered in this demanding endurance event. Of these, 3,268 pigeons belonged to the 107 fanciers from the Bacău Branch, while 3,379 pigeons were basketed by 117 breeders representing the Vaslui Branch. For the opening marathon event of the season, the organizers selected

Bacău: Chelm – The First Long-Distance Race of the Season Won by Gheorghe Pavel

The first long-distance race organized this season by the Bacău County Pigeon Racing Association took place on 24 May, with the birds being released from Chelm, Poland. Although the leading pigeons recorded high velocities, the race was far from easy. By the time the competition officially closed, only 69% of the entered pigeons had returned home, a clear indication that the route proved demanding for

Simion Emil & Dumitran Stelian Tandem in the Spotlight This Season

The 2026 season marks the first year in which the Bucharest Branch has organised races along the Bulgaria–Greece route. Although two separate race programmes were established, the flight direction remains the same. Up to this point, five races have been held under Programme 1, all belonging to the Sprint category. While several fanciers have celebrated victories in the individual pigeon standings – including the tandems

22,499 Pigeons Enter the First Long-Distance Race of the Season in Suceava and Botoșani

The 2026 racing season has entered the long-distance stage, and on May 23 fanciers from the Suceava and Botoșani branches competed in their first race of this category, with a liberation from Janów, Poland. Although some Suceava fanciers race long-distance events on a different route, no fewer than 22,499 pigeons were entered in this race, including 13,735 from Suceava and 8,764 from Botoșani. The pigeons were

Suceava and Botoșani, a Middle-Distance Race “at Western European Level”

Among the first major middle-distance races of the season was Medyka 1 (Poland), organized by the Filiala Columbofilă Suceava. Held on May 10th, the race stood out both for its massive participation and for the high competitive standard. This season as well, fanciers from Suceava are competing on two separate race programs in the Sprint, Middle-Distance, and Long-Distance categories. On Program 1, the first middle-distance race