1. National Team Champion Short-distance 2024 in Croatia: Team I.F.I Vragness shines with Eijerkamp Pigeons
Kastel Novi - The 2024 racing pigeon season witnessed an extraordinary achievement by Ivan Vrajnes, who clinched the 1. National Team Championship Short-distance title in Croatia. Competing under the renowned I.F.I Vragness Team, Ivan proudly represented Croatian pigeon racing on a grand scale, firmly placing Kastel Novi on the map. His rapid ascent to the national elite was supported by a significant contribution from Eijerkamp pigeons, culminating in the pinnacle achievement of the National title in 2024.
A Remarkable Scoring System
To win the National Speed Championship, the coefficients of the five best pigeons in every short-distance race are summed up. The I.F.I. Vragness Team emerged as the undisputed National Champions, showcasing outstanding consistency throughout the season. Impressively, all five of his top pigeons ranked within the Top 11 National Ace Pigeons, solidifying his dominance in the short-distance category.
Top Performers of the Team
‘Lea’: 3. National Ace Pigeon Short-distance Croatia 2024
The standout performer of Ivan’s loft, ‘Lea,’ CR22-33035, was bred from a direct Eijerkamp pigeon NL19-1412698NL19-1412698, a son of the legendary Vetblauwe Jackpot"Vetblauwe Jackpot", a proven breeder whose bloodlines have produced numerous champions. The dam of NL19-1412698NL19-1412698 is ‘Simone’, daughter of two iconic breeders, Olympic Leo"Olympic Leo" x Diamond Rossi"Diamond Rossi". Notably, this ‘Son Vetblauwe Jackpot’ was already the sire of a 1. club Ace pigeon in 2022. ‘Lea’s’ dam is a granddaughter of ‘Big Boss,’ obtained from Manfred Erett.
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‘Marina’: 4. National Ace Pigeon Short-distance Croatia 2024
‘Marina,’ NL23-9099933NL23-9099933, another exceptional Eijerkamp pigeon, also claimed 9. National Ace Pigeon in the middle-distance in 2024. She is a daughter of ‘Heronimus,’ who famously won 1. Laon against 2,709 pigeons. ‘Heronimus’ is a grandson of both New Euro"New Euro" and Eva"Eva". ‘Marina’s’ dam is a daughter of the celebrated Luka Modrić"Luka Modric"
‘Vlatka’: 8. National Ace Pigeon Short-distance Croatia 2024
‘Vlatka’, NL23-9099977NL23-9099977, was acquired as a youngster from Brummen and was bred from a son of the Vale Jackpot"Vale Jackpot" (Stefaan Lambrechts) paired with a daughter of Rogerke Bolt"Rogerke Bolt" x ‘Leontien"Leontien" The latter is a daughter of the aforementioned Olympic Leo"Olympic Leo"
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‘Nina’: 11. National Ace Pigeon Short-distance Croatia 2024
Another Eijerkamp gem, ‘Nina,’ NL22-8228734NL22-8228734, a pure Eijerkamp-van Loon pigeon, played a key role in the team’s national victory. She was bred from ‘Brody,’ son of Xenon"Xenon"’ the 1. National Ace Pigeon One-day Long Distance in 2018-2019 at De Fondspiegel. ‘Nina’s’ dam is a granddaughter of the iconic ‘Ché’ and top hen Indy"Indy"
B23-6118913: The final contributor to the team championship is a direct pigeon from Marina van de Velde's exceptional Heremans-Ceusters bloodlines, featuring renowned pigeons such as ‘De Jan,’ ‘Natalia,’ and Nieuwe Olympiade"Nieuwe Olympiade"
Gathering between Ivan Vrajnes, Evert-Jan Eijerkamp, Hans Eijerkamp and Branko Gorupec in Brummen. Ofcourse they speak about their mutual passion; the pigeons.
A Champion with a Passion for Pigeons
Despite starting his pigeon racing journey only six years ago, Ivan Vragness has quickly risen to the top. His ambition, dedication to quality, and disciplined approach have been instrumental in his success. With the invaluable guidance of his friend and coach, Branko Gorupec, Ivan’s progress has been nothing short of remarkable. "This championship represents the hard work and care we dedicate to our pigeons as a team," Ivan said proudly. "My goal has always been to bring out the best in my pigeons, and this victory is a testament to that effort."
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