FAI Pres Release - 26 March 1999
For immediate release
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:
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