Tunheim express

Harald Tunheim is in full control in this years 1000 km race. Only the fact that it has begun to snow in Karasjok can have a negative influence on his dogs and can give Hans Petter Dalby the chance he was waiting for. Both have now come to Karasjok. The fight for the third spot is just as exciting. Most likely are Tore Bergby and May Conny Johansen going to compete for that.

Tunheim was registered into Karasjok at 10.33, while Dalby arrived at 11.40. Both dog teams looked energetic, but Dalbys dogs seemed a bit more tired than Tunheims. This might explain why Dalby lost some of the time again he had gained on Tunheim due to the short rest in Levajok.

Team for hard trail

Tunheims dogs are extremely good when it comes to a way of running that is called "kantring" in Norwegian. This is a mellom stage between galopping and trotting. This is a fast way of moving and very effective on a hard trail. The fresh snow now falling onto the trail will force the dogs to run in a trot and they are not as good at running like that. That means some more insecurity about what will happen after the 8 hour rest at this checkpoint.

Johansen as joker?

These weather conditions might result in Johansen coming into the position as a joker and that she might be able to claim a spot in the first three. She rested more in the beginning stages of the race. This could indicate that her team has a lot of strength left in it. The running time for the last stages show that she is faster on the trail than both Tunheim and Dalby. Especially on the tough stretch between Sirma and Levajok. She has been observed earlier on with high speed on the ice of the river and looked very strong.

Photoilde: May-Conny Johansens tam had good speed on the Tana river just outside of Karasjok. They are looking good and May Conny will fight for a top spot. Photo: Niels Westphal