Balloonist Bruce Bassey and cyclist Ashley Timm teamed up to win the Balloon Biathlon Friday morning.

The biathlon combined a balloonist’s ability to throw his/her bean bag the closest to a designated mark. The distance was converted into time. Once the balloon landed, the cyclists raced back to the Natchez Visitors Reception Center.

The target this year was near Lake Concordia. Cyclists rode back on the levee in Vidalia about 13 miles to the visitors center.

Finishing second was the team of Phil Glebe in his Pontiac balloon and cyclist Kenny Bellau.

In third place was balloonist Jim Birk (last year’s Great Mississippi River Balloon Race champion) in his Lady Luck balloon and cyclist Curtis Moroney.

Finishing fourth was balloonist Dave Eastland in his Sonic balloon and cyclist Tommy Smith.

Balloonist Steve Lombardi in his Lone Star balloon and cyclist Chris Alexander were fifth.