Skrevet av: Elisabeth Bergquist
Dato: 13.03.2015 19:20
At exactly 7 pm Friday night, Ralph Johannessen crossed the finish line in Alta as this year’s silver medalist in FL-1000. This also gave him second place in the Word Championship. He came in with six dogs.
Trond Ørslien interviews Ralph Johannessen after he has crossed the finish line in Alta. Photo: Dmitry Sharomov
The Dagali express had been among the top competitors since check-point Tana, where he arrived as the first competitor Sunday night. He has kept the pressure up, together with Kjell Brennodden, Birgitte Næss Wærner, Ronny Frydenlund and May-Conny Johansen. Toward the end of the race Johannessen and Kjell Brennodden fought over who would climb highest on the result list – a battle Ralph won.
Ralph Johannessen taking care of his dogs in Karasjok, a few hours before coming into the finish in Alta. Photo: Dmitry Sharomov
Ralph Johannessen, the Dagali express, is known for getting the most out of his dogs. He is clever and the last decade he has been involved in many good rankings – including his own victories and two second-placements. Even with less rest and fewer dogs than Kjell Brennodden, he was able to pass him and keep ahead of him all the way to Alta.
Ralph Johannessen and happy dogs arriving in Levajok 2. Photo: Dmitry Sharomov
Ralph has experienced some drama along the way.
- There was a lake up here where the wind had blown away all the snow, so that all that remained was blue ice. A blast of wind came and pushed the whole sled 20 meters, until coming to a complete stop in a snow bank. I hit the ground really hard. I may have broken a rib bone, he said as he arrived in Levajok 2. When coming to Alta, he was asked if this had been a problem:
- No, I have raced in Alaska, so this I should be able to handle, said Johannesen.
Ralph Johannessen coming into Neiden 2. Photo: Anna Riebelova
Along the trail, Johannesen has also shown good sportsmanship. When Birgitte Næss Wærner was standing still on the trail on the mountain between Sirbma and Levajok 2, he le har ‘tag along’ when he passed. It was on one condition: that she did not pass him. She kept the promise, and Ralph eventually made to Alta a silver medalist.
Today there is an award ceremony in Alta city centre at 12:00. It will also be streamed live on our web-TV.
