Training heats up as Yukon Quest creeps closer

You’d think as the Yukon Quest got closer, the anticipation would turn to nervousness, but for most of the mushers tackling the trail again in February, it’s just another day.

You’d think as the Yukon Quest got closer, the anticipation would turn to nervousness, but for most of the mushers tackling the trail again in February, it’s just another day.

When the Star last sat down with 2009 Quest champion Sebastian Schnuelle, three-time champ Hans Gatt and Gerry Willomitzer in mid-October, the story was very much the same – training, training and more training.

On Friday the mushers, joined by first-time Quest challenger Jocelyn LeBlanc and executive director of the Yukon Quest International Canada Wendy Morrison met with reporters to discuss the upcoming race on what was the final day of regular registration.

Morrison announced that 25 mushers had signed up, but was surprised as Gatt handed in his official registration to become the 26th musher.

There is still an opportunity for mushers to sign up, but they will be charged a late fee.

“Typically we don’t see mushers sign up past the regular registration time,” said Morrison.

Morrison said the 2010 vet team leader has been finalized, and an official announcement will be forthcoming, once the head veterinarian chooses a team.

“Preparations are going well for us,” Morrison said.

The Quest has several fund raising events planned in the future, including a food drop event on Jan. 23.

Questions were raised Friday about the possibility that the Quest doesn’t have enough sponsors, but Morrison said it isn’t a concern.

“We feel like we’re on track right now,” she said.

Morrison, however admitted several sponsors that had been visible in previous years have been unable to contribute as much, and a few have dropped out completely, but others have stepped up to the plate.

“It’s been a tough sponsorship year,” Morrison said.

The Quest has answered by expanding fund raising initiatives, and have looked to their website – which received more than 300,000 hits from around the world last year – as a money-raising prospect.

Morrison said the Quest isn’t alone in changing how fund raising is done to suit the times.

“I think it’s something that a lot of events are feeling this year,” she said.

Morrison addressed the McKay Creek stop, as the dog drop building burnt down this year. She said construction on a new building is well underway with the help of volunteers, and will be ready in time for the Quest.

A hot issue in the dog mushing world was recently raised when the organizers of the Iditarod sled dog race announced they would be implementing drug testing for the 2010 race.

Four-time Quest champion Lance Mackey blasted the idea, saying the race was a dog race and human drug use along the trail doesn’t affect the outcome.

Mackey, a cancer survivor, is a medicinal marijuana card holder himself.

Morrison said as of this year the Yukon Quest will implement no such rules, but the idea has been floating around.

“It’s definitely in discussion,” she said. Morrison cites the eight-week run up to the race as the reason why the Quest Society is not considering anything for the upcoming race.

As for the 26 mushers, counting Gatt’s registration form that was handed in Friday, Morrison is excited about the teams this year.

“We’re happy with the number of mushers that we have but also the calibre,” Morrison said.

First-time mushers are going to be sprinkled in with a handful of seasoned Quest veterans, and the female race will be a close one to watch, with LeBlanc throwing her hat in for the first time.

“I think it’s just going to be an exciting race,” Morrison said.

Eight female mushers will be doing the trail this year, with most of them coming from Alaska.

The Yukon Quest will be racing towards Whitehorse this year, and Morrison is glad the Yukon will get to see the dogs finish up.

“I really love that we alternate because I think it’s very exciting for Whitehorse to see teams finish,” Morrison said.

The Quest leaves Fairbanks on Feb. 6.