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The Ernst Family – A Benchmark of Excellence in Pigeon Racing
The Ernst Family represents an emblematic example of performance and continuity in pigeon racing, transforming this discipline into a genuine family endeavor. Markus Ernst, together with his two sons, forms the team “Ernst und Söhne,” while also benefiting from the essential support of his wife, Heike, whose involvement harmoniously complements this family structure dedicated to the sport of pigeon racing.
Prior to 2010, Markus Ernst was active within the team “Zoller & Ernst,” alongside his brother-in-law, Torsten Zoller—an important phase that contributed significantly to the accumulation of solid experience. With the acquisition of a property dedicated exclusively to pigeon racing activities, the Ernst Family inaugurated, beginning in 2010, a new stage of strategic development and sustained performance. The genetic foundation of their loft is based on pigeons originating from established bloodlines, belonging to renowned names such as Rutz & Sons, Theelen, Herbots, Batenburg, and Brockamp.
Through the results achieved over the years, the Ernst Family has established itself as one of the most valuable and consistent teams in Germany in the long-distance and marathon categories. Their record includes outstanding achievements in highly demanding national and international competitions.
Among the most notable successes are:
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1st Place at Pau International (2022), in a competition with 15,536 pigeons;
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2nd Place at Barcelona National, achieved in 2017 and 2018;
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1st Place at Perpignan National (2013);
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1st Place in the National Ace Marathon category (2020).
The consistency of these performances has also been confirmed by top rankings in the German national standings. In 2019, the Ernst Family secured 3rd place in the German National Ranking for international races, with remarkable results at Pau, Barcelona, Saint Vincent, Marseille, Narbonne, Brive, and Perpignan. In 2020, the team placed 20th in the national ranking for international races, while also earning the title of Germany’s No. 1 Ace Pigeon in this category.
In the following years, top results at races such as Pau, Barcelona, Saint Vincent, and Marseille further consolidated the Ernst Family’s position within the elite of European pigeon racing, culminating in 2022 with victory at Pau International and notable rankings at Barcelona, Marseille, Narbonne, and Perpignan.
Up to 2023, the Ernst Family has maintained a high level of performance, achieving leading positions at major competitions such as Barcelona, Arcis-sur-Aube, Vivonne, Auxerre, and Saint Dizier, both nationally and internationally. This consistency reflects not only the genetic value of the pigeons, but also the rigor, dedication, and passion that define the Ernst Family’s activity, confirming its status as a model of excellence in pigeon racing.
