FÉDÉRATION AÉRONAUTIQUE INTERNATIONALE

FAI ANNOUNCES ROUND-THE-WORLD BALLOON RACE

Following the pioneering round-the-world flight of Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones in the Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon, the FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) has confirmed that it is planning to organise a Round-the-World Balloon Race, probably in 2002 in the northern hemisphere.

The race will start at a given place on the same day, and as far as possible at the same time. Detailed rules are being drawn up by experts in the FAI's International Ballooning Commission, but in essence the winner will be the first balloon to circumnavigate the globe and cross the meridian of the launch site.

The FAI has teamed up with the international PR consultancy Fleishman-Hillard to develop plans for the event which will probably take place every four years. A magnificent trophy and a substantial cash prize is planned for the winner.

The FAI's advisory committee includes Don Cameron, constructor of the triumphal Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon, and Alan Noble the operations director of the team that supported Piccard and Jones during their global circumnavigation. The next planning meeting is scheduled for Friday 9 April, in London, after which further details will be announced.

The great balloon race could become to balloonists what the Whitbread is to yachtsmen. It will certainly be a magnificent spectacle.

For further information contact:

[FAI Home Page] - [Ballooning Commission Home Page]
Other sport ballooning documents.

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