When we arrive at Serge Martin’s place, it is a warm and smiling man who greets us, accompanied by a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. It’s the perfect atmosphere to dive into a passionate conversation about his exceptional achievement in Barcelona, which left a lasting impression, offering an intense hour of pigeon-flying happiness to anyone who dreams of this mythical race.
• Barcelona 2024: 14 prizes out of 22 entered for 3,691 pigeons.
- 8th Nat at 20:13
- 29th Nat at 20:44
- 30th Nat at 20:45
- 32nd Nat at 20:45
- 34th Nat at 20:46
- 42nd Nat at 20:57
- 52nd Nat at 21:06
A Well-Cared-for Environment and a Targeted Strategy
Serge’s loft is impeccably maintained, a testament to a perfectionist who masters every detail. This precision is reflected in his strategy. Recently, Serge made a significant decision: he now participates only in two international races, Barcelona and Perpignan, betting everything on these prestigious events.
Lofts Designed for Performance
Serge’s lofts are designed to maximize the health and comfort of the pigeons:
- Optimal ventilation: In winter, windows are open during the day and closed at night. In summer, they remain closed to limit temperature fluctuations.
- Grill flooring: The ventilation from below improves hygiene and simplifies maintenance, requiring only the daily cleaning of the compartments.
A Rigorous Method
The life cycle of Serge’s pigeons is organized with precision:
- The young pigeons are gradually trained. The bachelor males, at one year old, are tested in the Perpignan race. Only those that have proven their worth are allowed to join the widowhood team. There, at two years and older, they are raced annually in Barcelona and Perpignan.
- Strict selection: Only pigeons that have proven their worth, particularly those with 10 prizes out of 10 international engagements, are admitted to the breeding loft.
A Thoughtful Selection
Serge favors Perpignan for his yearlings, which he considers more selective than Narbonne. “An extra hour of flight changes everything,” he explains, mentioning the remarkable performances of his young pigeons. In 2024, among his 13 yearlings entered in Perpignan, seven returned, including one that finished 23rd Nat Perpignan 4047 pigeons, FR23-302903, thus achieving an exceptional performance.
Motivation and Selection
Unlike other methods, Serge doesn’t specifically motivate his pigeons before the race. According to him, a good pigeon flies to return to its loft. The females are introduced to them after the race, once they have rested, often the following day.
Serge relies on rigor. He prefers to race his yearlings in Perpignan rather than Narbonne, believing the latter to be less selective. “An extra hour of flight makes all the difference,” he repeats, citing the promising performances of his young pigeons.
Strong Origins and High-Performance Bloodlines
The foundation of his colony is based on the Levêque Marcel pigeons, well-known in Picardy, strengthened by the introduction of an exceptional breeder, the 760 from Didier Beaujean (Rossens x Tossens). Serge has developed a homogeneous strain, selected with precision.
Pigeon Characteristics
Serge Martin’s pigeons stand out for their homogeneity and remarkable physical standard. They all seem to be cut from the same mold. They are of medium size, long, and perfectly balanced. Their musculature is firm, yet they remain exceptionally light. They are full of life. Their plumage is rich and silky, with an ideal underwing coverage to optimize their performance in flight. A strong yet flexible back gives them the ability to fly quickly and efficiently, even over long distances.
