OLR Addict (3)
This is the story of a group of pigeon racing friends—not just members of an association meeting occasionally during the sporting season, but true friends, maybe even family. They share part of their lives: pigeon racing life (!), weekends and evenings at each other’s homes, vacations… A genuine group of friends!
It was during a few days spent together in the Algarve for a One Loft Race (OLR) final that the idea for the Pirate Loft (PIgeon RAcing TEam) was born: “Why not us?” After all, they know how to take care of pigeons, how to train and race them, and they’re ready to take on the public relations; they have the space!
The location is provided by Sandrine Giboreau. A meat pigeon breeder who had to reduce her stock due to COVID, the war in Ukraine, and then inflation—she found herself economically constrained and decided to release her large building, now vacant, for this project.
The Team – Who are the Pirates?
- Sandrine Giboreau: “The landlady” and in charge of cleaning
- Audrey and Alexandre Langue: Daily caretakers
- Béatrice, Nicolas, and Louis Montabonnel: The trainers
- Romain Charvolin: Public relations and communications
This is just a brief overview—everyone does whatever it takes for the project’s success. Wherever something needs to be done, there will be a team member! The group is close-knit, with a harmonious atmosphere and warm relationships. It’s truly a pleasure to feel.
The Loft
The building spans 300 m² with a large concrete slab. Aviaries on either side are equipped with slatted floors for housing the pigeons. There’s a large skylight at the top and air vents along the length for airflow, designed specifically for racing pigeons. This year, only the left side of the building was used to host the 850 participants in the inaugural event, while the right side was used for quarantine. Following the success of this first edition and the promises of commitment for the second, the right side will also be converted. The lofts are spacious, open at the front (except during periods of darkness to slow molting), and each pigeon has at least one perch.
A perch per pigeon was an essential goal. During various loft visits, they were shocked to see that too many lofts house their pigeons directly on the slatted floors, which they could not accept out of respect for the animals. In terms of total capacity, the loft could hold 2,000 to 2,500 pigeons, but the team decided to admit only 1,500 privileged birds.
Food:
They bought a mixture from Versele-Laga at the start of the venture, taking advantage of a bulk discount… 10 tons all at once, to be stored and paid for!
(To be continued)
Fredéric Lefevre
