TRAIL UPDATE

With only two more checkpoints to reach before the finish line, our top racers ITI1000 Veteran Petr Ineman, Casey Fagerquist and Jill Martindale are taking a well-earned break in Elim.

Jussi Karjalainen is clearly in a racing mood, having left Shaktoolik and now moving fast, aided by a strong tailwind of nearly 40mph.

Behind the Finn is fellow countryman Toni Lund, who is surely rejoicing at this year’s tailwind advantage after a gruelling crossing of the sea ice in 21 hours back in 2018. Toni is currently stationed at Foothills cabin.

Italian bike racers Roberto Gazzoli and Willy Mulonia are savouring a taste of home away from home at Peace on Earth Pizza, in Unalakleet, where Kiwi athletes Graham Muir and George Adams are also restoring.

Danish top skier Asbjørn Skjøth Bruun is making headway towards Old Woman’s cabin.

Top foot racer Beat Jegerlehner is currently at Tripod Flats.

Foot athlete and ITI1000 Veteran Klaus Schweinberger has now arrived in Galena.

Snowfall, highs of 36°F and strong winds are forecast for racers on the Bering Sea coastline, who if careful could progress faster than most years on the sea ice crossing.

Pictured below is Finnish bike athlete Jussi Karjalainen, at the ITI Pre-Race meeting - he’s too fast right now to get an action snap of him.