The reflections of a supercoach at Sirbma

753 kilometres into the race Trine Kristiansen Lyrek is maintaining her fourth place when she enters check point Sirbma. She arrived Sirbma at 8:19 pm with 7 dogs still running, with an average speed of 9,7 km/h from check point Varangerbotn.

As Lyrek’s coach, which Roger Dahl enjoys to call himself, last years winner is still fairly optimistic, while being realistic. – Only seven dogs left makes a vulnerable team, so we need to rest for a while, Roger Dahl says on the phone from Sirbma. He doesn’t say how long, for obvious tactical reasons. – It means that the dogs need to be handled carefully, so right now we will focus on the tactics for the next leg.

Roger Dahl reports that Trine is in a good mood, in spite of struggling a bit this morning. Conditions on the trail were difficult, and the warm weather led to the fact that one of the dogs had to be placed in the sled. – I’ve told Trine that she needs to focus on her own team, and not spend time worrying about the others. Just because of the number of dogs pulling the sled.

As a coach Roger have mixed emotions about his own part of the team work. – In a way it’s a nice experience, but it’s not easy for my inner peace. It’s not the fact I’m not the musher, but it’s difficult not to take care of the dogs at the check points. Trine is doing a great job with the dogs, and as a member of the team it would be nice to take part. Not being able to help is making me feel powerless. – It’s like making a sandwich with tied hands, he finishes with a great smile.

Trine Lyrek receives coaching from her handler, last years Finnmarksløp champion Roger Dahl

Photo: Jørn Losvar