Albuquerque gas balloon racers lift off in honor of missing pilots

Major balloon race gets under way in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — One of ballooning’s most prestigious events is under way in Albuquerque.

Race officials say the first balloon lifted off around midnight in honor of veteran pilots Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer Davis. They are presumed dead after their balloon disappeared over the Adriatic Sea during a European race last week.

The annual America’s Challenge gas balloon race got under way in earnest about 15 minutes after that.

The event was initially scheduled for Tuesday, but concerns about rough weather delayed the start four times.

But officials say the weather early Saturday in Albuquerque is great for ballooning.