As of 12:04, Pete is still maintaining the lead, but it has diminished to a virtual dead heat. At this point Schandelmeier probably has the faster team and is just lying in wait. This must be mentally challenging for Pete and Team Kaiser to know that a team is just hanging there. With a well established trail, trail breaking isn’t the issue, it is basically team against team.
The shoot-out continues now for the next 50 miles along the coast into Nome.
Keep it up Pete! It’s not over til it’s over!
The organizers couldn’t have asked for a better tribute to Paul Johnson than a duel to the finish of this race. One thing to note is how technology has truly made dog sled racing a spectator sport. As grueling as it is, watching along for every GPS update has truly brought the sport into the public’s eye. Think of all the times these same exciting battles have taken place over the decades of racing without anyone but the mushers really knowing about them. It is truly a great time to be involved in this sport and can do nothing but to further bring revitalize it.
