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 are on a road near a small lodge on the shores of Lake Kabititikwia, west of Lake Nipigon in Ontario, Canada. They are about 100 miles (161 km) north of hte US-Canadian border. The team reports they are OK and awaiting the arrival of their crew to retrieve the balloon.

With Team 2's landing, just one balloon is still flying: the US/Polish entry of Andy Cayton and Krzysztof Zapart. At the time Team 2 landed, Cayton and Zapart were about 75 miles (120 km) behind and traveling at more than 40 mph (64.4 kph), steadily reeling in their rivals. At this rate, Team 1 should exceed Team 2's distance in less than two hours.

The Command Center will remain in operation until Team 1 has landed and the team and balloon are accounted for.