THE AFTERSHOCK OF BARCELONA JULY 2016
This race was a humdinger of great magnitude-I hope it inspires more entries from the stalwarts and the cognoscenti next year. We have 2 back with 7 Barcelona races under their belts. Our system is fit for purpose and we hope to replicate the process next year. The 2 hens are with cocks of great breeding for some stock latebreds, into the strain they go.
It is logical deduction and perceptual insight to breed from the proven best, a practice continued for 40 years. We do not usually sell any birds and give some away to fellow enthusiasts with top blood in return from Barcelona champions. This years race was severe and defined limits of most pigeons as they reached only 757 miles into Wales in the UK in race time. Many birds will be foraging on barley to return before the autumn-send em again next year with the insight of raw experience. Time for many fanciers to probe their race management system for faults and improvements, to improve next season.
A LOOK AT BICC BARCELONA 2016
Every man will value any of the 23 birds home in this mother of all modern races. We have stocked our 2 returnees already for 6 latebreds to enhance the strain. Having promoted the race for 21 years, participation answered all the Qs of fancier and bird. As predicted most arrivals were in the east section.The provisional winner is R.Dove on 541.021, flying a measured 674 miles . Bill Stribling clocked his champion into the West-a great character with a bird to match. Colourful Tony Cowan-Mr Personality himself wins the central section. The beauty of the race was the endurance of the birds as far as 757 miles, where Padfields showed their prowess into Wales. They will claim 2 of my trophies of solid silver, names inscribed in history and folklore.
My silent partner Nick Harvey times his 4 times Barcelona hen Musgrove Persistent. It is the race for inspirational marathon men, of fire, balls, passion and ambition. It was a fitting climax to the dogged focus of people who take a shot at greatness. We are in preparation for next years leap of faith into the only race greater than ourselves-have a go in the race of your life!
Jim Emerton
