Descent lasted for 3,5 hours. Ton van den Berg, Boris Habets and myself. The weather was quite good, apart from the strong wind. Incredible view of the Caucasus main range. We think we have seen mount Kazbek, which is some 200 km east.
Proper acclimatisation is really necessary.
Too bad the hut Priyut 11 has burned down, it was a great place, like a space ship. Anyone who will just use the Cable cars won't enjoy the summit as you will need a few days to acclimatize. Elbrus may look easier than it is. Even if you start from the Refugee 11 camp at 4200 m be well acclimatized at 4000-4200m before the attempt. I used 8 hours to the peak and 5 hours returning.