Pigeon racing is an art where expertise, dedication, and passion come together to achieve excellence. Ludovic Sempos is a perfect example of this. He lives in Herchies, a municipality of Jurbise in the Walloon Region (Hainaut province), near Mons.
We met Ludovic at Fugare 2024, where he was hosting a stand alongside Stéphane Depasse. The quality of his pigeons immediately caught our attention, sparking the idea of a collaboration. Dynamic and meticulous, Ludovic applies a professional approach to pigeon racing, doing everything possible to achieve top results.
A Rigorous Selection and High-Quality Pigeons
Ludovic Sempos leaves nothing to chance when building his loft. Among his current champions, we find Pénélope and Nardobarca, who have distinguished themselves with impressive performances.
Pénélope (BE20-1113347)
A strong-willed hen, Pénélope was one of the three Belgian pigeons clocked on the first day at Barcelona. Clocked at 22:47:39, she won 5th national and the zonal victory.
- 1st Barcelona national zone (3,416 pigeons, 2023)
- 5th National (6,533 pigeons, 2023)
- 29th International hens (6,211 pigeons, 2023)
- 72nd International (16,569 pigeons, 2023)
She is the result of a cross between a Depasse-Lardenoye male (Dark Barca x Zoé) and a Bernard Dhondt hen.
Pedigrée pénélope
Nardobarca (BE16-1068621)
The second pigeon clocked from the colony at Barcelona in 2023, Nardobarca is a 100% Depasse-Lardenoye pigeon, descending from the “Frazette,” “Di Stefano” (1st National Grand Fond Ace Pigeon RFCB), and “Camie” lines.
- 44th National Barcelona (6,533 pigeons, 2023)
- 209th International (16,569 pigeons, 2023)
- 124th National Barcelona (6,913 pigeons, 2021)
- 159th International (5,840 pigeons, 2021)
Pedigrée Narbobarca
Stéphanie de Sem (BE18-1074703)
- 1st Regional Barcelona 240 p
- 28th National Barcelona 6,913 p
- 55th International Barcelona hens 5,840 p
- 114th International Barcelona 16,485 p
- 75th International Narbonne hens 3,869 p
- 106th National Narbonne 5,000 p
- 87th National Perpignan 4,850 p
- 215th National Barcelona 6,533 p
pedigrée Stephanie de Sem
Christine de Sem
- 75° Int Narbonne F 3869 p
- 106° Narbonne Nat 5000 p
- 87° Nat Perpignan 4850 p
- 215° Nat Barcelone 6533 p
pedigrée Christine de Sem
A Structured and Effective Racing System
Ludovic adopts a methodical approach to managing his racing pigeons. His system is based on:
A Gradual and Regular Training for Long-Distance Racing:
- Young pigeons: Individual releases up to 50 km, then 2 to 4 times 160 km.
- Yearlings: 4 times 160 km, 2 times 450 km, 1 time 700 km. Males and females are raced as singles using the “sliding door” system.
- 2-year-old males: Transition to widowhood, while females fly on 12-day-old eggs. Both sexes compete in Agen and Narbonne at 2 years old.
- Barcelona at 3 years old, with females raising their first young.
Meticulous Health Monitoring:
- The mandatory vaccine is administered by the veterinarian in the first week of March.
- A veterinary check-up is scheduled three weeks before entering a long-distance race. Most supplements are given on the grain, with very little in the water. Ludovic regularly acidifies the water and provides probiotics.
- Antibiotics are used only when absolutely necessary.
An Adapted Feeding Strategy
Ludovic places great importance on nutrition:
- After a race, he provides a long-distance mix, followed by a few days of a purifying mix without corn, without protein, consisting only of grains to allow the body to recover. He then gradually replenishes energy, finishing with a long-distance mix over 6 to 8 meals.
With a well-structured strategy and a loft of exceptional pigeons, Ludovic Sempos stands out as a key figure in Belgian long-distance racing. His dedication and love for the sport promise many more outstanding performances in the future!
Notable Racing Achievements
2023
- 1st, 17th, … National Zone Barcelona (3,416 p.)
- 39th, … National Zone Agen (2,732 Old birds)
- 44th, … National Zone Narbonne (2,483 Old birds)
- 5th, 44th, … National Barcelona (6,533 p.)
- 69th, … National Agen (5,851 Old birds)
- 29th, 84th, … International Barcelona Hens (6,211 p.)
- 72nd, … International Barcelona (16,569 p.)
- 1st, 7th, 20th, 26th, … Walloon Zone Barcelona (7/11)
- 2nd, 49th, … Walloon Zone Agen Old birds
- 7th, … Walloon Zone Narbonne Old birds
- 40th, 41st, … Walloon Zone Perpignan
2024
- 14th National Ace Pigeon Barcelona-Perpignan 2024
- 39th, … National Zone Perpignan (2,337 p.)
- 90th, … National Zone Pau (1,416 p.)
