The sky is the limit
The sky is the limit for the successful businessman Marc De Cock, CEO of Cock’s Fresh. It is the philosophy of a man who loves new challenges, and who likes to explore boundaries and extend frontiers. He enjoys working on something new to try and get the most out of it. He is always trying to do better and to perform at full potential. It is a matter of finding your limits and trying to push them. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious.
This mindset has helped him not only in his professional career; it has also been the key to success in his career as a pigeon fancier. It is something that evokes both admiration and jealousy. However, there is no need to be jealous. In fact, Marc De Cock should be an inspiring example to others. Fanciers should aim to get the full potential of their pigeons, and try to get the best of their career.
Self made man
The success story of Marc De Cock reads like that of a self made man. We wonder how he has been able to become so successful, and we think it has to do with courage, willpower and perseverance. It seems he is obsessed with perfection and top quality, which he combines with great passion and the will to become the number one in his field.
You have to rely on the best pigeons to achieve great results! You cannot expect yourself to do well with a breed of average quality, and that explains why Marc De Cock relies on nothing but super class birds, which have that little extra compared to their opponents. Keep in mind that the quality of your breed is what makes the difference.
Too many fanciers believe you can make a difference by using potions, magic powders and other supplements. Some of these products might be helpful from time to time, but they will not really make a difference. The key to success is a top quality breed, just ask Marc De Cock, who sets a great example.
Taking a break before going flat out again
You can never make your way to the top in a straight line. It is crucial to make adaptations whenever necessary. It is often a good idea to take a step back before going flat out again.
Marc sold his entire collection in early 2013, to reap what he sowed throughout his career. Only the late youngsters of 2011 and the youngsters of 2012 were kept, to serve as the building blocks for the future. These young birds stem from his invaluable breeding loft, which is one of today’s most impressive team of breeders in the whole of Western Europe. He made a fresh start with these young birds in 2013, and they formed his team for the future.
Marc told us you sometimes have to lower your ambitions to be able to set a higher bar in the future. This is exactly what he did as a pigeon fancier.
Working with prize winners
It takes champions to win top prizes, and the best way to obtain these champions is by breeding young birds from previous champions. One of them is Eagle Eye, a true crack. Marc De Cock paid a lot of money to take this pigeon home with him. It was a major investment but it proved an invaluable breeder. Eagle Eye has been in the breeding loft in Temse for only two years, but that was enough for him to leave his mark on the Marc De Cock pigeon breed. His direct youngsters, (half) brothers and (half) sisters continue to have a significant influence on this family.
The successful bloodline of Eagle Eye is the cornerstone of today’s racing team, paired to pigeons of Aelbrecht (Superbreeder 801, Bak 17, etc.), Topkweker Freddy (De Rauw-Sablon), and descendants of Marc’s own breed. It is no surprise that Marc was able to achieve great results with his new team of young birds, including a provincial first prize from Narbonne already in 2014. We assume it gives him a taste for more.
We take a closer look at some of the big names in today’s team of racing birds. They give us an idea of the level of quality in his state of the art pigeon loft:
New Eagle Eye BE11-4311296
’13 Cahors Prov 1,904 p. 1
Nat 8,570 p. 23
’12 Vierzon Prov 761 p. 2 (1st Prize club)
’12 La Souterraine Prov 634 p. 14 (2nd Prize club)
’12 Angerville Club 128 p. 4
’13 Limoges Zone 4,453 p. 82 (5th Prize club)
Nat 14,271 p. 343
This star is a late cock of 2011, trained with the young birds of 2012. His pedigree is quite impressive; he originates from several super class pigeons.
Sire: Fred BE09-5061039
A great looking breeding cock from an exceptional pairing of Jos Thoné: Pro Freddy BE07-5080547 x Jutta BE03-5071667 (1st prov and 2nd Nat. Vichy).
Dam: Dochter Eagle Eye BE10-4323341
Bred from the magnificent supercrack Eagle Eye BE07-2135106, best all round pigeon of Belgium from 2007 to 2009 (and the most expensive pigeon the Erik Limbourg auction) x Daughter St.Vincent Aelbrecht BE09-4263060.
Click here for the full pedigree of New Eagle Eye
Son Superbreeder 801 BE12-4052068
’13 Libourne Zone 2,222 p. 1
Nat 6,134 p. 5
’13 Gueret Prov 3,052 p. 3
Nat 15,007 p. 24
’14 Tulle Zone 1,817 p. 7 (Club 1/72 p.)
Nat 5,976 p. 34
’13 Poitiers Zone 2,688 p. 31
Nat 13,135 p. 297
’13 Chateauroux Zone 3,553 p. 24
Nat 19,691 p. 267
’14 Vierzon Prov 8,394 p. 281
’14 Limoges Zone 5,476 p. 334
Nat 18,390 p. 1930
’13 Souillac Zone 1,081 p. 154
Nat 3,641 p. 613
’13 Noyon Reg 438 p. 5
Sire: Superbreeder 801 BE07-4138801 (rechtstreeks Aelbrecht)
Son of Aelbrecht icons Perpignan BE97-4263065 (1st Zone Cahors 3,476 p., 19th Nat. Perpignan 5,853 p.) x Dochter Limoges BE03-4316043.
Dam: Jewel II BE06-2233543
The dam of Ivan, 1st Ace Pigeon shorter middle distance KBDB 2008 and 4th Ace Pigeon longer middle distance KBDB 2008.
The 10th Nat Agen BE12-4052311
’14 Narbonne Prov 940 p. 1
Nat 4,571 p. 17
I.Nat 11,448 p. 28
’13 Agen Prov 1,011 p. 5
Nat 5,283 p. 10
I.Nat 10,579 p. 21
Sire: Father 10. Nat Agen BE06-2026986
Winner of 151st Nat Brive 14,521 p., 33rd Zone Montauban 4,189 p. and 116th Nat. 9091 p.
Dam: Mother 10. Nat Agen BE09-2225473
Originates from BE07-2168137 (line of Florizoone) from his father’s side, and from Kleindochter Albi BE07-2242662 from his mother’s side (Albi has won a 1st Prov. Albi 477 p., a 15th Nat. Orange 4,587 p. etc.).
Click here for the full pedigree
To conclude, we would like to include the two daughters of the winner of a 1st National Zone Limoges 3,986 pigeons, the BE12-4052003 (winner of 2nd N.Zone Gueret 2,593 p.) and BE12-4052004 (winner of 1st Blois 347 p. and 3rd Prov. 2,712 p.).
Sire: Half brother Eagle Eye BE10-4014073
Super quality pigeon and winner of a 1st N. Zone Limoges 3,986 p. He originates from Father Eagle Eye BE04-2063240 x Granddaughter Kaasboer BE09-6359239
Dam: Daughter Lucky 85 BE07-2135301
Grandmother of Gilbert, 1st Intnat. Bordeaux 6,686 p. for E.Limbourg.
Daughter of 1st Nat. Ace Pigeon long distance KBDB of E.Limbourg Lucky 85 BE04-2063085 x Iron Lady BE04-2063002, winner of 16 first prizes, a 4th Intprov. Tours 2,192 p., a 45th Nat. Bourges 21,940 p., a 70th Nat. La Souterraine 16,297 p. etc.
They are just some of many top quality racing pigeons that currently live in the impressive pigeon loft in Temse.
The adrenalin rush of victory
Marc De Cock lives for victories and triumphs, and he does not want to settle for less. These victories give him an adrenalin rush, and that is what makes our sport so great. We think every fancier wants to enjoy the feeling of a great victory, which is a reward for the many efforts and sacrifices. Achieving a top result indicates that you are on the right track.
Marc De Cock has everything it takes to gain great results, and he has a fresh team ready to perform well. The time has come to reap the harvest. His opponents know they should keep an eye on him. Marc has done an impressive job!