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Gordon Bennett Race to Return for 66th Edition

The 66th Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, the world's premier balloon race, is set to take off from Albuquerque, New Mexico, featuring 17 gas balloons and crews competing for the longest distance flight in a historic aviation challenge.

[Credit: FAI/Marcus King]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The 66th Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett, the world's most prestigious gas balloon race, is commencing in Albuquerque with 17 international teams.
  • Competitors aim to cover the greatest distance, demanding exceptional physical and mental endurance, along with a deep understanding of weather conditions.
  • Defending champions Wilhelm and Benjamin Eimers from Germany, known for their extensive experience and past victories, are key contenders to watch in this historic event.
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The 66th Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett—-the world’s most prestigious gas balloon race that’s also known as the FAI World Long Distance Gas Balloon Championship—is set for Saturday at 6 p.m. MDT (1 a.m. Sunday UTC).

The event will be hosted by the renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, with 17 crews ascending to the skies in pursuit of victory.

Amy Wilder

Amy Wilder fell in love with airplanes at age 8 when her brother-in-law took her up in a Cessna 172. Pretty soon, Amy's bedroom walls were covered with images of vintage airplanes, and she was convinced she'd be a bush pilot in Alaska one day. She became a journalist instead, which is also somewhat impractical—but with fewer bears. Now she's working on her private pilot certificate and ready to be a lifelong student of the art of flying.

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