FL-1000: Writing History, Again

Inger Marie Haaland stepped on it in this year’s FL-1000. Robert Sørlie and Harald Tunheim are both taking their mandatory rest in Kirkenes. Most expected Haaland would get in line with the big boys.

Inger Marie Haaland starts out from check point Kirkenes

But her boyfriend Ralph Johannessen has a different schedule prepared for her. Haaland is going to take her 16-hour rest in Neiden 2. That will shake up the rest.

Johannessen assures us that this is well thought through. Because – Robert Sørlie took control of the race from Neiden 1. If Haaland were to follow his schedule, he would still have control returning from Krikenes. Then she would have to cut down on the 4 hours she is behind at some point, with the same rest in the dogs.

By leaving Kirkenes after only 5 hours the long leg to Neiden will be made during the night. The speed is higher during the night. It will be warmer during the day when Sørlie and Tunheim start out.

Team Haaland think their dogs are ready for the 125 km long leg after 5 hours in Kirkenes. Haaland still has to cut the 4 hours with rest that Sørlie is ahead. But Johannessen think it is easier done when the 16-hour rest is fresh in the dogs.

This is a chance to take, but they know it. – We have to give it a go, laughs Ralph and set up his girlfriend with head light and fresh batteries, before they set out into the dark.

No matter how this ends, Inger Marie Haaland is writing history again!

Ralph Johannesen watches as she get ready.