On May 3, 2026, the grand final of the 27th Parra Negra Canarias OLC Derby took place, one of the most anticipated events on the international pigeon racing calendar and, for many, the most demanding race in the world. This is no exaggeration: it is known in the pigeon racing community as the "Himalayas."
A journey that doesn't forgive.
The release took place from the island of La Palma , about 250 kilometers from the finish loft in Gran Canaria. On paper. Because between the release point and the finish line there are two open sea crossings totaling about 180 km of ocean , in addition to crossing Tenerife with its volcanic terrain.
The wind and the islands' topography mean that the actual distance flown can be double the straight-line distance. It's a test of orientation, stamina, and character that very few pigeons can pass.
A final marked by the haze
The final was initially scheduled for April 18th, but had to be postponed due to calima , the Saharan dust that reduces visibility and turns any release into a lottery. The organizers postponed the race until they found a window of acceptable conditions, a decision that protects the pigeons and adds sporting value to the result.
The results
Of the pigeons entered in the basket, 61 successfully completed the course . The results of this 27th edition were as follows:
- Champion 2026: Manuel Jeréz Acosta
- Runner-up: Rubén Lorenzo
- Third place: Derby Europa Star
The prize fund for this edition amounted to €14,300 , with €6,000 going to the overall first-place finisher.
Why careers like this matter
A result at Parra Negra Canarias is worth its weight in gold in a pedigree. When a bird is among those that reach such a final, or among the top positions in the As Paloma, that bloodline is forever marked: it is proof that the family performs under the toughest conditions imaginable.
That's why at FirePedigree, race results are part of each pigeon's pedigree: the document not only tells where a bird comes from, but also what it and its family have proven . If you breed with lines that have won races in finals, like Parra Negra, your pedigree should reflect that.
Chronicle details: oneloftchallenge.com .
