Touching finish

Intet øye var tørt er et uttrykk vi bruker når noe rører oss inn i sjelen. Målgangen til Kjell Brennodden var av en slik karakter. Han har det største handlerteamet i verden fra Frankmotunet i Folldal.

The finish area was filled up of handlers, supporters and others that wanted to welcome this fantastic musher who has finished twelve Finnmarksløp. Both in 2007 and 2009 he managed to finish as number two. Despite his 62 years he claims himself very good at this sport. This year's race has in many ways been tough both for him and the dogs.

- To fight among mushers not in the front of the race has been an usfeul experience, says Kjell, who adds that it has been lots of hard work. He finished with 6 dogs. - It is hard to drive only 6 dogs from Karasjok and there has been a lot of work on the sled for me. On the question about how it has been for Magic Mira Kjell answers: - Mira ran in single lead all the way to Levajok. She has an old injury which was troubling her and after consulting the veterinarian I chose to take her out of the team. The other dogs that I had taken out were also leaders so I had poor leaders in the last part of the race. I'm very pleased with Mira so taking her out of the team made a different.

 Kjell seemed tiered from mushing for six days on the trail. He softened some when the worlds larges handler team started hugging and greeting Kjell. For those of us standing ringside it was a touching and magic moment. Thanks Kjell for being who you are.