Algarve Great Derby 2024. Pre-Race 1

Hello again, feathered friends and loyal followers! It’s Ringo, your faithful pigeon reporter, here with the latest from the Algarve Great Derby. Today marked an important milestone as we completed Pre-Race 1, covering a distance of 115 kilometers.

Pre-Race 1: A Tricky Start

Today’s challenge wasn’t just for us pigeons—it was also tricky for the trainers. The early morning greeted us with fog and low clouds, making it impossible to release us right away. As the sun climbed higher, the temperature started to rise quickly, leaving only a short window for a safe release. Timing was everything, and our trainers handled it just right.

Steady Arrivals Despite the Heat

The temperature soared, but all those tough afternoon training sessions around the loft in the heat paid off. This was the moment we’d been preparing for. The arrivals were steady, with pigeons arriving strong and standing tall. Impressively, 80% of us made it back within 10 minutes of the first arrival, and 90% were home within 15 minutes. It was a solid performance that shows we’re ready for what’s coming next.

Looking Ahead: The Activation Race

With Pre-Race 1 behind us, the real races are getting closer. Next week brings the final preparation challenge: The Activation Race. After that, it will be time to activate the reserve pigeons and get ready for the real competition.

That’s the latest from the Algarve Great Derby, folks. Today was a tricky one, but we rose to the occasion. Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to the big races. This is Ringo, signing off from the loft.

Fly high, stay sharp, and get ready for the real challenge!