From 8 - 10 September 2017, Minsk citizens saw dozens of bright hot air balloons in the skies of the city as they performed three sport flights over the center of the capital of Belarus. The Minsk 950th Anniversary Balloon Cup, a 2nd FAI category event, was organised of the Belarusian Federation of Air Sports to the residents and guests of Minsk for its 950th anniversary celebrations.

Over the three days, the international Balloon Cup gathered the 34 strongest pilots from seven countries in Minsk: Belarus, Russia, Belgium, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia.
Silver and bronze medals were given to Lithuanian participants, who are in the top-20 aeronauts of Europe, and the Champion’s title was awarded to Ivan Menyaylo (RUS). The experienced pilot is the current Russian champion and duration world record holder in hot air ballooning. In February 2017, together with Fyodor Konyukhov, he made the longest flight in a hot air balloon, which lasted over 55 hours.

Winners

1. Ivan Menyaylo (RUS)
2. Adamas Mikelevicius (LTU)
3. Vytas Kerdokas (LTU)
4. Evert Dehandschutter (BEL)
5. Dmitry Zhokhov (RUS)

• More pictures of the event

Source and Photo Credit: Belarusian Federation of Air Sports