It is the weekend of the most important national races of the season, Berlin, Birzai and Izium, launched today, August 7, 2020. So, for the fanciers who participate in these competitions, there are some days of fire. But, the fanciers from Oltenia also have other “sources” of emotions, besides the national stage in this area. Many fanciers from Oltenia’s associations participate in the Berlin National competitions, organized by the Bihor Pigeon Association, and Tartu, organized by the Suceava Pigeon Association, two real stages of extreme long distance.

For those who may seem surprised, we must remember that the participation of pigeon fanciers from Oltenia in stages such as Berlin or Tartu is not a premiere. In Tartu, organized by Suceava, for example, the fanciers from Oltenia participate for the second consecutive year, and for some from Olt, because from there are the pigeon lovers who participate in the National Berlin, “The race of the races ” is a real tradition.

National Berlin “attacked” by five fanciers from Olt

In many parts of Olt County, Berlin National exceeds the distance of 1,300 km. However, the attraction of such a stage was greater than the fear of engaging their pigeons in a race with so many kilometers for five pigeon fanciers from the Olt Association. These are: Team Olteanu + Stănilă (1,318 km), Dumitru Barbu (1,322 km), Marcel Barbu (1,322 km), Ion Brastaviceanu (1,318 km) and Iulian Badea (1,317 km). Together, they hired 83 pigeons.

Tartu, a race for the brave ones

Last season brought the first participation of fanciers from Oltenia to the Tartu marathon stage, organized by the Suceava Pigeon Association. At the Craiova-Elite center, 310 pigeons were basketed, by 81 fanciers, from Dolj, Argeș, Vâlcea, Mehedinți and Olt counties. Even if the distance was huge, over 1,500 km for most fanciers and exceeding 1,600 km for some of them, the arrivals were not few at all. At this year’s edition, the participation in the Tartu contest was even bigger. At the same embarkation center, 124 pigeon fanciers from the Dolj, Gorj, Olt, Mehedinți, Vâlcea and Argeș associations showed up, who basketed a total of 424 pigeons.

If the distances have remained the same this year, it remains to be seen what the arrivals will be like! In any case, the courage of the Oltenia fanciers who participated in these two competitions deserves all the appreciation.

It is a clear proof that over all the shortcomings, the joy of having a pigeon back home from such extreme long distances race is unique, and the greater the distance, the more intense it becomes!