Skrevet av: Karoline Leistad-Jonas/Markus Leistad/E. Bergquist
Foto: Karoline Leistad-Jonas
Dato: 07.03.2015 13:33
The Finnmark Race press reporters met a highly motivated Milos Gonda from Slovakia before race start in Alta. He says that his goal is to win, and that he has amazing dogs this year. When winning the FL-500 in 2013, he had finished 2nd in La Grande Odyssèe earlier in the year. Earlier this year, he also finished 2nd in LGO. That might bode well for his efforts in the Finnmark Race.
- This time I know the trail a lot better, so it is easier for me to work out a good strategy, he says.
Gonda upon finishing in 2013
Photo: Davina Muller
With 75 starters in the FL-500 race this year, Gonda is not the only favourite.
In the very busy start area we meet a focused and race fit Elisabeth Edland. - I am ready, my dogs are in shape and we have trained well. Now I just look forward to going through the race start process and get into the mountains!
Being a very experienced musher and having countless top listings in the FL-500, there is no escaping the favourite label.
Edland prior to starting the FL-500 World Championship race 2015.
Photo: Karoline Leistad-Jonas
Last year's FL-500 winner Ronny Wingren aims for a Top 10-finish this year. His plan is to mush calmly during the first half of the race.
- There will be quick trails up to Levajok, and it will be necessary to keep the speed down in order to get as many dogs as possible with him across the Gaissas; the rounded mountain hills. Last year was the first time the trail direction was reversed in comparison to what has been common before, and I was surprised at how well it worked.
Wingren points out his father, Ole Wingren, to be an even bigger favourite than he himself. - Ole has the best dogs this year. He is the one who races to win this year, he argues.
Ronny Wingren prior to the FL-500 start in 2015.
Photo: Karolinge Leistad-Jonas
Ole Wingren at Jotka back in 2013
Photo: Geir Stian Altmann Larsen
These mushers are, however, just a few out of a list of favourites in this year's race. It will, literally, be a dog fight to get to be the first along the trails, and the end result is not in any way given. The competition will be fierce until the very end.
The best of luck to you all!