Skrevet av: Arne Oddvar Nilsen, Translator: Melanie K Clegg
Dato: 24.10.2007 22:01
Nose-to-tail mushing and narrow trails up to the plateau have meant that the 8-dog class will start first from Alta town centre in this winter's Finnmarkslop
The section from the Alta River and the re-start at Sorrisniva, up to the plateau via Detsika, Langvannet and Bollo, has previously been something of a challenge (more nightmare) for many of the 14-dog mushers. The starting order has led to many of these mushers having to overtake countless 8-dog teams. The trail is mainly along a narrow, bending woodland path, where it is rarely possible to overtake. Much necessary braking has led to the trail breaking up, especially in the first section. To overtake under such conditions is risky, and can lead to injured dogs, both for the overtaking team and the team being passed. The revised starting order should mean that the need to overtake is further along the trail, up on the plateau towards Gamas, Sivertvann and Joatka, where the trail is broad enough to allow easy overtaking.
The rules for the start to the 1000 km race remain unchanged. The re-start for each span will occur 120 minutes after the start in Alta town centre. As before, mushers must assume a smaller dog team from Alta, as well as a passenger. The rest of the dogs, together with the ready-packed competition sled must be available at the re-start area. At the re-start, all equipment for the 14-dog teams will be checked.
The race arrangers envisage no problems with the organisation of the race start in Alta town centre. Finnmarksløpet continues to hope for the best possible service to its business partners, the public and the media.