26th International Epiphany Balloon Festival – Mondovi, Italy

The International Epiphany Balloon Festival in Mondovi, Italy took place earlier this month.  The traditional event, organized by the Aero Club Balloons Cuneo, attracted 34 participating teams from all over the world.

The Memorial Trophy is awarded annually and is a dedication to Davide Raschieri, a local balloonist who tragically passed away a number of years ago. Each year the local community and international balloonists celebrate his life through a Memorial Flight at the Epiphany Balloon Festival. The task for 2014 was a judge declared goal, and the winds were calm but variable, making this a task for the skilled and patient.

The Memorial Award was won this year by UK’s Team Gossard, who came into the cross slow and steady, winning first with a marker in the centre of the cross.

Chief Pilot Andrew Holly said, “Mondovi is such a special place and it’s a great start to the year to win a trophy on our first outing in 2014. We’re looking at many more this year with the support of Gossard.”

This is the same event where Team Gossard won the Trofeo Mondovi Piazza in 2013, the Monregalese Trophy in 2011, and the Italian National Championships in 2010.