Officials say the 20th America's Challenge gas balloon race delayed this year by weather must launch by Wednesday night. Otherwise, it won't happen.
According to Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta organizers, seven teams from the U.S., Germany, France, Poland and Spain plan to participate in the distance race, initiailly scheduled to launch Saturday in Albuquerque.
But showers and thunderstorms have forced delays.
Rules say the launch window for the race must close Wednesday before midnight.
Weather conditions are taken into consideration for Albuquerque and east of New Mexico where balloons sail to their destination. Last year, the balloon that travelled the farthest made it to Kentucky.
Pilots will meet at noon Wednesday with race officials to discuss whether or not the race is a go.
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