What is Loft Grouping in pigeon racing? Where typical velocity results are a measurement of individual pigeons, the highest speed or velocity wins the race; Loft grouping is the measurement of the overall performance of the loft and its management. This method, based on the fact “If one pigeon made it to a predetermined area in a specific time, theoretically it was possible for all the pigeons competing from the same liberation to have achieved the same.
The highest velocity achieved in a particular area (club) is called the ‘Marker”, the competition Loft Grouping, measures the DISTANCE the second and later pigeons flew in the same net flying time of the “Marker. The difference between the distance achieved by the “Marker”, and that achieved by the measured birds, is divided again by the net flying time to determine the Kilometers Lost Per Hour of Flight. (KLPHF). This calculation aims to equalize the result, since all measured competitors fly in different conditions and distances. See the App on https://odra.co.za/odra-loft-grouping-app/
Let us now “create” a competition to include the champion Dutch loft Ebben Pigeons in our South African results for the weekend of 28th August 2021. The European season starts roughly six weeks earlier than the SA season. Therefore, we will use a race from approximately the same distance rather than on the same day, Chateauroux vers Gariepdam. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND, “IF ONE BIRD COULD HAVE DONE IT THEORETICALLY, ALL BIRDS COULD HAVE DONE THE SAME”.
There is thus no doubt in my mind when using the Loft Grouping competition; a true world champion will be crowned annually.
ODRA is the only pigeon Racing entity hosting this competition and has calculated Provincial and National Champions in South Africa since 2016. With the current support of the South African Pigeon Racing fraternity, Odra will, in 2022, offer Provincial and South African Championship prize money of R1M spread over ten races and paying R100K prize money every week.
Odra invites all 4200 lofts in South Africa to compete either as a complimentary entry (Not competing for prize money) or as a professional loft, competing for the prizes with an R8500 entry fee per 15 bird team. The National Champion will receive R50K, and the 9 Provincial Champions will receive R8K each annually.
Rules and T’s & C’s will be available on the Odra website soon. For more information, contact Koot van der Walt at 0832692492
