FL-1000: The tightest Finnmark Race ever

Skrevet av: Niels Westphal/ Trine Kvidal-Røvik
Foto: Steinar Vik
Dato: 17.03.2017 10:13

The last run toward the finish line in Alta is about to start. And what a finish it will be. Only nine minutes stand between the two first teams and the competitors are not far behind. This is the time out for the nine first teams:

Petter Jahnsen 10.23 a.m.
Marit Beate Kasin 10.32 a.m.
Kristoffer Halvorsen 10.57 a.m.
Lasse Austgarden 11.03 a.m.
Kristian Walseth 11.06 a.m.
Niklas Rogne 11.31 a.m.

Thomas Wærner 12.23 p.m.
Ola Brennodden Sunde 12.47 p.m.
Arnt Ola Skjerve 1.18 p.m. 

These are the first possible starting times for each team. Mushers can of course choose to leave later than this, if they like.

Must take a longer rest

Petter Jahnsen had gained a small lead on Marit Beate Kasin from Levajok to Karasjok, but when they left Karasjok, this was reduced to only nine minutes. This is due to the obligatory rest teams are required to take out in Karasjok and Levajok. Teams must rest at least 10 hours combined at the two checkpoints.

Competitors are getting closer

Besides the two hours set aside for required veterinarian check in Karasjok, mushers are free to decide where the rest is to be taken out. Jahnsen rested 4 hours and 39 minutes in Levajok and must therefore take out a rest of 5,21 in Karasjok. Marit Beate Kasin rested 4,54 in Levajok, and will be able to rest only 5.06 in Karasjok.

Kristoffer Halvorsen, who arrived in Karasjok as number four, around an hour after Petter Jahnsen, can start out as number three, only 34 minutes after. He took out a rest of a total of 5.10 in Levajok. He thus only needs to take a rest of 4.50 in Karasjok. Lasse Ausgarden rested around as long as Kasin, while Kristian Walseth and not least, Niklas Rogne, rested much longer than the lead in Levajok, and can reduce the gap by resting less in Karasjok.

Far to go

133 kilometers remain until the finish line in Alta. The teams are coming over the plateau to last checkpoint Jotka. On the way, they are coming over Lesjavre, the largest lake in Finnmark. Meteorological Institute announces snow, which will make it hard to the first on the tracks. Increased wind is also expected this evening, with strong gail from the north. 

 


Petter Jahnsen arrived first in Karasjok, and be first to leave. But competitors are approaching, reducing the lead. Photo: Steinar Vik