MODERN TRENDS IN PIGEON RACING
by Jim Emerton
The sport and hobby is in a state of flux. A huge rise in the popularity of the BICC is evident with a firm accentuation of international racing. The Barcelona International as the premier race in the UK and Ireland is gathering more momentum, due to its lofty prestige and inherent difficulty. The icons of racing in the UK are becoming international stars via publicity in their own field. Money in the mainstream culture is at the core of many people’s ambitions and modus operandi. The consequence is that the archetype of racing, the little man with garden loft and corn tin is an endangered species. I want to see a return of a love for the birds, a true understanding of our joint connections and part of nature, both philosophically and as an insight into marathon preparation and conditioning.
The whole question of doping and performance enhancement is complex, dynamic and ever expanding and changing with no obvious and clear total knowledge, understanding and direction. It will have a global impact and there will be changes to controls and directives by the rule making organisations. Supplements are endemic in the sport, yet which are truly tested and safe in today’s competition? Specialist fliers with slick professional outfits are dominating the sporting arena.
The purists with generous and sporting values with the accent on strain building still have a role to perform, and it is nice to witness a revival of international aspirations into Ireland exemplified by Michael Feeney and friends. We will be on the threshold of many more changes as the sport in its rich diversity evolves.
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Elimar - September 2014
