Team Montmany-Duch (ES) win the tough edition of the Derby Marismas OLR '23 with Gimondi Online

Derby Internacional Marismas del Guadalquivir 2023

Seville is found in the southern Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia; where the lofts of the Derby Internacional Marismas del Guadalquivir are located. In 2023, the second edition of this Spanish One Loft Race took place. The 1,681 pigeons that were sent in by 301 fanciers faced a tough test. The year 2023 in Spain was characterized by extreme heat and even included an earthquake. After the training was complete, four flights were scheduled including the semi-final, with distances ranging from 118 to 350 km. These tough tests reduced the initial peloton to 374 pigeons by the time the Final was raced on September 29th from Riego del Camino across a distance of 501km back to the lofts.

Difficult final

The 374 pigeons which reached the final didn't have it easy. The pigeons were released at 08:40. After more than 8 hours of flying (16:48) the winning pigeon ESP23-283278 Gimondi Online of Team Montmany-Duch (ES) reached the lofts in La Puebla del Rio. This diehard managed to complete the 501km race with an average speed of 1025 m/min. Thereafter, it took 53 minutes before the runner-up arrived. It was the BE23-1037487 Witsel Joy of Equipe Michelet (BE) which took silver. The podium was completed by the ESP23-62247 of Antonio Lozano. The ace pigeon competition was won by Derby Chipiona (Antonio Florido) with the ESP23-87118. The final was tough, as only six pigeons reached the lofts on the day of release. The following day, another 159 pigeons arrived, putting the tally of returning pigeons on 165. 

The winner of the final was entered by the Spanish duo, Ernest Duch and Joan Montmany. Both had previously won La Copa de S.M. el Rey (King's Cup) and various national titles in Spain. 

The runner-up of the Marismas OLR Final was the BE23-1037487 Witsel Joy sent in by Equipe Michelet. The father of Witsel Joy proves to have superb OLR breeding qualities as he also brought forth a/o Witsel 79 (1st Final Derby Marismas OLR 612km 2022) and Witsel Ace (2nd semi-final Derby Superstar 2023). 

The title of 1st Ace Pigeon Derby Marismas OLR 2023 was won by ESP23-087118, sent in by Antonio Florido (ESP). 

3rd Edition will be a winter race 

The organization of the Derby Marismas OLR has made some necessary changes. The races will - contrary to previous editions - start late January 2025 with an activation race across 75km. During the races, the distance will be steadily increased up to 400km after which the Final will be held on 29th Match 2025 across 480km.