FL-Junior: Anette Børve Hernes in the lead

When arriving at Suossjavri the FL-Junior mushers have completed half the race. Now they have to rest for at least six hours before returning to Alta via Jotka. Anette Børve Hernes is in the lead, and when we spoke to her at the check point she was busy providing care for her dogs.

Anette Børve Hernes in the lead at Suossjavri.
Photo: Steinar Vik

- The leg from Alt to here has gone really well. There was some wind up to Jotka, but after that check point it was easier. We mushed under the stars with northern lights dancing across the sky, she says.

Last year she won the bronze medal in FL-Junior. This year there are twice as many participants in the race, and her aim is still to win a medal. Even though it's still a long way to go, she definitely stands a chance.

Hanna Lyrek caring for her dogs at Suossjavri.
Photo: Steinar Vik

Hanna Lyrek's ambition is clear: - The coal is to finish the race. When you have had to scratch from one race, it is nice if one gets to finish the next one, she says. 

There are five mushers in the lead at cp Suossjavri when the Finnmark Race press visit to talk with them. They all appear focused on their tasks. - I have practised check point routines during the Alta 2-Day Race earlier this winter. I have also pretended to be on a check point when doing long practise runs, says Guro Krempig.

Guro Krempig and her dogs were all happy at cp Suossjavri.
Photo: Steinar Vik

Even though the mushers are fierce competitors, the atmosphere among them is very good. Elisabeth Uglebakken told us that she had turned off her head lamp so that the competitors should not see her, upon which Guro Krempig exclaimed: - It worked!

There is a close race for the win, and still a long way to go. When they get back to Alta it will be broad daylight, so turning off the head lamp will not have the same effect.