Bookmark this page to see the latest information from the America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race. Updates will be posted here as they are released.
Final America's Challenge Results Released as Competitors Celebrate
October 12, 2019
Posted 10:30 PM MDT (0430z) The results of the 23rd America’s Challenge race for gas balloons are now final and confirm what everyone already knew: Andy Cayton of the US and Krzysztof…
Results, Photos, and Videos - America's Challenge Flights and Landings
October 11, 2019
Posted 11 PM MDT (0500z) We are pleased to share with you official results for the 23rd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta America's Challenge distance race for gas balloons. These resu…
Second No More! Cayton-Zapart Emerge On Top At America's Challenge
October 10, 2019
Posted: 8:30 AM MDT (1430z) In 2014, Poland’s Krzysztof Zapart, a jovial newcomer to gas ballooning, flew in his first America’s Challenge and impressed in his debut by finishing s…
Last Balloon Standing! Cayton-Zapart Pursue Race Leaders
October 9, 2019
Posted 4:45 PM MDT (2045z) And then there was one. French competitors Eric Decellieres and Vincent Leys (Team 2) reported their safe landing to the America's Challenge Command Center. They ar…
Interview with America's Challenge Race Meteorologist Randy Lefevre
October 9, 2019
Note: This interview was recorded before Team 7 (Pelard/Peterle) landed.
America's Challenge Leaders Land, Two Teams Still Flying
October 9, 2019
Posted 12:00 PM MDT (1800z) The Command Center has just received word that the race leaders, Benoit Pelard and Benoit Peterle of France (Team 7), have executed a safe landing east of Atikokan…
Team 5, Fricke-Cuneo, and Team 3 , Duncan-Cowlishaw, Report Safe Landings
October 9, 2019
Posted 8:20 AM MDT (1420z) The field still flying in the 23rd America's Challenge for gas balloons is now down to three, as more of the teams report landings. With brisk ground winds in Minne…
America's Challenge Landing Update, Teams 9 and 4 Report Safe Landings
October 9, 2019
Posted 7:30 AM MDT (1330z) In the past few minutes, two of the US teams have reported safe landings to the Command Center. Team 9, Cheri White and Mark Sullivan, landed near Hossmann, MN, we…
Austrian Team Lands in Minnesota; Seven Teams Still Aloft
October 9, 2019
Posted 5:45 AM MDT (1145z) The Command Center confirms that Team 8, Christian Wagner and Thomas Lewetz of Austria, have landed safely near Wheaton MN, close to the border with South Dakota.…
Photos from the America's Challenge teams
October 8, 2019
Enjoy these photos sent back on October 8, 2019 from our teams flying in the America's Challenge. Our thanks to the teams for giving us permission to share their experience!
