Skrevet av: Hans Petter Dalby/Anne-Mette Bjøru (transl.)
Dato: 12.10.2009 11:34
The race will have a new and diefferent location for its race-track between Jotka and Skoganvarre. Click here to see the changes: www.finnmarkslopet.no The change has been made as a result of feedback and responses from the mushers, and Roger Dahl says that this will be an excellent alternative track
Challenging. The much discussed descent to Skoganvarre is now a closed chapter. The old track has been very challenging, especially during years with varied snow conditions. A steep descent with areas with either very little or a lot of snow, as well as ditches is now replaced with a flatter track which also will provide better snow conditions.
Permanent. The track, where both the 500 km and the 1000 km race passes, has been tried moved also in 2008 but the change was not successful. However, now an excellent alternative route has been found, says Roger Dahl (see map below) and this may become a permanent track. The track was checked out last spring after Finnmarkløpet when Roger Dahl, with the assistance of Trond Frogum and Magne Johansen drove this part on snowmobiles. -Towards the end of the new track it joins back with the track from 2008, but we have managed to fnd a better alternative also in this part, says Roger Dahl. Both Frogum and Dahl have years of experience as sled-dog mushers and it is important that the work with new alternative tracks are done in collaboration with the mushers.
Solid sole. The new track is close to the same length as the old one. Finnmarksløpet will start preparing the new track very early with the use of snowmobiles. Also, the mushers in Alta and the areas around will use the new track during training. -This means that the track will have a 'solid sole' in the race, and we are very keen on exactly this so early on in the race, Roger Dahl comments.
Written detailed description of the race (in English): http://www.finnmarkslopet.no/page.jsp?id=673&mid=329
It will be possible to download the race-track onto your GPS. A separate newsarticle about this will follow in the future.
