FL-1000: Waiting for a stunt?

Not all mushers have a fixed strategy going out of Neiden 2, at least not one they are keen on sharing with the world.

- Well, I guess I’ll just have to mush on, while allowing the dogs as much resting time as possible, says Ralph Johannessen, before smilingly adding: - … before I’ll have to come up with something surprising.

Ralph Johannessen heading out of Neiden 2. Photo: Dmitry Sharomov

May-Conny Johansen alludes to something similar. She starts with a typical reply to the question about her strategy for catching up with the lead.

May-Conny Johansen keeps a high speed. Photo: Dmitry Sharormov

- I have to pay attention, so that the distance up to the lead does not increase too much, she says, while the sled is on its side and she is trying to get the plastics off. This will make or break the race, she explains. When asked if this means that she is about to try something foolish, she laughs it off.

– Half-foolish perhaps, she says, stating it more as a question than as a fact.

Birgitte Næss Wærner has started the chase. Photo: Dmitry Sharomov

Interpreting any of these comments as promises of something spectacular to come, is probably taking it too far.

At the same time, a serious attempt to challenge Sigrid Ekran in front should come soon, if it is to have a chance at success. Coming into Neiden 2, Ekran had a 50-minute lead on the next team. When leaving the check-point, that gap had increased with almost half an hour.