Balloonist Fossett reaches homestretch

US adventurer Steve Fossett cruised over the Indian Ocean today, hoping to reach Australia and the finish line of his around-the-world balloon quest tomorrow.

Shortly before 0800 Irish time, the Chicago millionaire was zipping along at 196 mph at 32,368 ft, riding a jet stream on the final leg of his sixth bid to become the first solo balloonist to circle the globe.