Competitors List 2011

15. Janet Folkes - Nottingham, UK

G-NUNI
2010 - 14th
2009 - N/A
2008 - 24th

Janet has a batch of impressive world records in hot air and gas ballooning and competes in the Gordon Bennett Gas balloon race regularly.

16. Terry Gilbert - Weston-S Mare, UK

G-CFUX
2010 - 10th
2009 - 35th
2008 - 30th

Terry has been flying balloons for so long there are rumours he once crewed for the Montgolfiere brothers! The friendliest pilot on the launch field, ballooning is a fun family affair for Terry.

17. Piers Glydon - Bristol, UK

G-LDYS
2010 - 4th
2009 - 7th
2008 - 14th

Piers tells us he learnt to fly in 1864 and since then he has ammassed more than 30,000 hours in balloons and has been world champion for 142 consectuive years. Piers will be using fruit to power his balloon this year.

18. Marcus Green - Birmingham, UK

G-KNEE
2010 - 17th
2009 - 16th
2008 - N/A

Marcus regularly represents GB at the world and European championships. Outside of ballooning he is one of the top knee surgeons in the country (hence the balloon registration).

19. David Groombridge - Portishead, UK

G-CFXL
2010 - N/A
2009 - N/A
2008 - 41st

Dave is Exclusive Ballooning's Operations Manager and has been ballooning for over fifteen years. His overseas experience includes a trip to the Ukrainian National Championships in 2002. In his spare time, Dave wears a hat.

20. John Russon - Cheshire, UK

G-BTUH
2010 - 5th
2009 - 2nd
2008 - N/A

John has been a private pilot for 13 years. A novice at competing, but always looking to improve his flying. With fifth and second places in the last two years, we all want to see John on the podium this year - at the top!

21. Douglas Hoddinott - Bristol, UK

G-BIBO
2010 - 11th
2009 - 31st
2008 - N/A

Douglas has been involved in Ballooning since the age of 4 and managed to get his licence last year at the age of 21 and only after only one year has managed to clock up 40hrs of flying.