GORDON BENNETT 2018: THE LAUNCH

The takeoff certainly is one of the most intense memories of our whole Gordon Bennett experience. Dozens of people standing around our basket, asking curious questions, while we are going through our checklists. Then, another security check by the deputy event director. Releasing the balloon from its tethers and being guided to the podium. Last equipment check by the event director. Up on the podium, weighing off the balloon. Last handshakes. The national anthem, “hands off”, and then – silence.

Within a split second, the tension is gone, all of a sudden, and we are back to a most comfortable situation we perfectly know: Two crazy guys in a balloon basket. What a hell of a ride!