Eduard and Dennis Röntgen – Marathon Raised to the Level of Art

In a period when pigeon racing is becoming increasingly demanding and race conditions are often unpredictable, true performance can no longer be the result of chance. It requires years of work, a solid genetic foundation, and a profound understanding of the long-distance racing pigeon. All these elements are found in Eduard and Dennis Röntgen, a father–son team from Übach-Palenberg (Germany), who in the 2025 season achieved an outstanding result: 1st National Prize Perpignan, one of the toughest and most respected marathon races in Europe.

Übach-Palenberg – a marathon stronghold

The Aachen–Übach-Palenberg region occupies a special place in the history of European pigeon sport. Some of the oldest pigeon racing associations in Germany were founded here, and the proximity to Belgium and the Netherlands has facilitated, for more than a century, the exchange of valuable bloodlines and competitive experience.

This area is especially renowned for its long-distance racing tradition, where both natural and sporting selection are extremely severe. It is not enough to have fast pigeons; physical endurance, excellent orientation, and mental stability are essential—qualities that the Röntgen pigeons have consistently demonstrated.

From middle-distance to marathon – a change of destiny

Until 2010, Eduard and Dennis Röntgen competed in the classic racing program. The decisive moment came after a visit to the Freialdenhofen family during the arrival of pigeons from Barcelona. The emotion, tension, and joy of that moment were defining. “That was when we truly understood what marathon racing means,” Eduard Röntgen later recalled. The decision to focus exclusively on long-distance races completely changed the direction of their loft. At that time, no one could have anticipated that within just a few years, the name Röntgen would become a benchmark at both national and international level.

The 2025 season – one of the toughest in recent years

The year 2025 tested both fanciers and pigeons alike. High temperatures, sudden storms, and frequent schedule changes affected numerous races. The international Perpignan 2025 race, traditionally considered the finale of the marathon season, was no exception. The race was liberated on 2 August 2025 at 09:45, with a one-day delay.

At the start: 11,866 pigeons internationally from 1,864 fanciers; 732 pigeons at national level from 95 fanciers. No pigeon managed to clock on the first day, which exponentially increased the level of difficulty. The race thus became a true test of survival.

The moment of truth – the arrival of “Invictus”

The following morning, emotions were running high in Übach-Palenberg. Eduard and Dennis had entered 7 pigeons, all with international experience and in excellent racing condition. At 10:20:56, the pigeon “Invictus” (07754-22-126) appeared above the loft and entered decisively through the trap, after a flight of approximately 955 km, achieving a speed of 918.6 m/min. At first, the exact value of this arrival was unknown. Only as the morning progressed did it become clear: 1st National Perpignan 2025.

The result was completed by a performance rare even at this level: 7 pigeons entered – 7 prizes, a 100% prize percentage that speaks volumes about the homogeneity of the team.

“Invictus” – the portrait of a true champion

“Invictus” is the embodiment of the modern marathon pigeon: 7 participations in international races, 7 prizes won. His major achievements include: 1st National Perpignan 2025, 2nd National Ace Pigeon International Races 2025, and 1st National Marathon Ace Pigeon.

From a genetic standpoint, he represents a synthesis of the strongest European marathon lines, based on bloodlines from Freialdenhofen, Karl-Heinz Kanski, and Piet de Vogel, with international winners at Agen, Pau, Bergerac, and Perpignan.

Not a single hero, but an elite team

The success of the Röntgen family is not built around a single pigeon, but on an extremely stable team capable of performing year after year. Among their reference pigeons are:

“Der Perpignan” – 1st National Perpignan 2023

“Der Marseille” – 2nd National and 2nd International Marseille

“Lady Narbonne” – 1st National Narbonne

“Vincent” – Perpignan Ace Pigeon

“Olympic Perseus” – 1st National Olympic Pigeon 2023

Approximately 70% of the genetic base originates from the renowned SG Freialdenhofen loft, complemented by top Belgian bloodlines and Karl-Heinz Kanski pigeons—a combination that has proven extremely effective over time.

The Röntgen method – simplicity, consistency, and discipline

Eduard and Dennis Röntgen race exclusively on dry widowhood, following a clearly structured system: the season starts with around 70 pigeons, up to 10 preparation races before the marathons, emphasis on 400–500 km races prior to stages exceeding 900 km, feeding adapted to endurance effort with special mixtures, daily minerals, carefully dosed supplements, preventive treatments after each marathon, and complete, rigorous vaccination programs. Young birds are not forced; they are allowed to learn on their own and mature naturally, with true selection carried out only at the age of one year.

Thus, the Röntgen loft stands as a clear example that true marathon success is not built overnight. The results from 2023 and 2025, culminating in the 1st National Prize Perpignan, are proof of intelligent work, strict selection, and a sound philosophy. For pigeon fanciers in Romania and beyond, the Röntgen model shows that marathon performance comes from patience, continuity, and respect for the pigeon. The future of this team appears as solid as the foundation on which it was built.