BalloonFiesta.com - The Albuquerque international hot air balloon festival
Title
2006 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Description
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® was granted the honor of hosting the 49th Coupe Gordon Bennett by the Ballooning Commission of the Federation Aéronautique Internationale, along with Balloon Federation Of America and the National Aeronautic Association.
Dating back almost 100 years, the Gordon Bennett race is the premier gas balloon distance race, and attracts some of the most experienced and distinguished pilot teams from around the world. This legendary race is often compared to the America’s Cup Yacht Race for the endurance necessary to compete and win. And while the mission of the race is simple, executing that mission is anything but easy. The winning team is the one that flies the farthest distance from the launch site. But desire alone won’t carry a team to victory.
Physical resistance, mental strength, strong morale and incredible knowledge of winds and weather are the keys to taking home the cup. The race is named after James Gordon Bennett Jr., who founded the International Herald Tribune and was a great sponsor of air sports. Each country is allowed to enter their three best teams. This was the first time the Gordon Bennett Race has been approved for competitors to have their choice of helium or hydrogen gases.
