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The Ernst Family – Tradition, Passion and Performance at the Highest Level
In German pigeon racing, the Ernst family has distinguished itself through outstanding long-distance and marathon results, achieved through years of hard work, careful selection and a passion for pigeons. Racing under the name “Ernst und Söhne”, Markus Ernst and his two sons continue to develop a family venture, closely supported by his wife, Heike.
Until 2010, Markus raced alongside his brother-in-law, Torsten Zoller, in the “Zoller & Ernst” partnership. The experience gained during this period laid the foundations for a new chapter: purchasing a property dedicated to pigeon racing and developing their own loft, with the entire family working towards shared goals.
The team is founded on pigeons with established bloodlines from the lofts of Rutz & Sons, Theelen, Herbots, Batenburg and Brockamp. Through rigorous selection and consistent preparation, these bloodlines have contributed to remarkable performances in long-distance races.
Over the years, the Ernst family has earned its place among Germany’s leading long-distance and marathon teams. Their most important achievements include:
- 1st International Pau 2022, against 15,536 pigeons;
- 2nd National Barcelona, in 2017 and 2018;
- 1st National Perpignan 2013;
- 1st National Ace Pigeon Marathon 2020.
The quality of the loft is also reflected in its performances across entire racing seasons. In 2019, the Ernst family finished 3rd in the German national championship for international races, with notable results from Pau, Barcelona, Saint Vincent, Marseille, Narbonne, Brive and Perpignan. In 2020, the team finished 20th in the same championship, while also winning the German National Ace Pigeon title for international races.
The following seasons brought further top results, with the international victory from Pau in 2022 becoming one of the highlights of the family’s racing record. Results from Barcelona, Marseille, Narbonne and Perpignan rounded off a season that once again demonstrated the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.
In 2023, the Ernst family continued to achieve leading positions in races such as Barcelona, Arcis-sur-Aube, Vivonne, Auxerre and Saint Dizier, strengthening a record built through patience and consistency.
The Ernst family’s story is one of shared passion and sustained dedication, with their experience, the quality of their pigeons and the commitment of every family member reflected in the results achieved season after season.
