FOLLOWING a busy ‘old bird’ racing season, which saw the members of Medina North Road Flying Club compete in the Southampton and District Racing Pigeon Federation competition, its members are now racing their young birds.

The old birds flew back to their lofts from as far north as Wetherby, Yorkshire, in this federation event, but Isle of Wight fanciers have also had some excellent results in national competitions recently.

These races are flown from France and are termed ‘The South Road’, with up to 10,000 pigeons competing from Bordeaux, St Vincent, Poitiers and Pau — more than 500 miles to the Island.

Isle of Wight County Press: Some of Island fancier Roderick Rann’s winning racing pigeons.Some of Island fancier Roderick Rann’s winning racing pigeons.

The young birds are classified as pigeons bred in 2020 and, due to their age, race over much shorter distances, so they gain experience in finding their way home.

Their first two races of the season have both been from Newbury, Berkshire, with members flying from between 50 and 60 miles, depending on their Island loft location.

Isle of Wight County Press: Islanders Rod and Linda Rann, who have enjoyed much success racing pigeons.Islanders Rod and Linda Rann, who have enjoyed much success racing pigeons.

Roderick Rann and family scooped the top three places, with a top velocity of 1,028ypm (yards per minute), at Newbury on August 1.

A week later, at the same venue, they repeated the feat with a top speed of 1,772ypm.

The third race of the series, scheduled from Buckingham, was postponed due to thunderstorms.