Rookie Iditarod musher, Quince Mountain (bib #27), of Mountain, Wisconsin was withdrawn from the race at 1:30 p.m. today at the Grayling checkpoint. While Mountain wished to continue the race, the decision was made based on rule 36 of the official Iditarod race. Rule 36 states: Competitiveness: A team may be withdrawn that is out of the competition and is not in a position to make a valid effort to compete. The Race Marshal may consider, but is not limited to, weather, trail conditions and the overall pace of the Race when invoking this rule. Mountain had 10 dogs in harness when he arrived at the Grayling checkpoint at 12:25 p.m. today.
Rookie Iditarod musher, Sydnie Bahl (bib #8), of Wasilla, Alaska was withdrawn from the race at 1:30 p.m. today at the Grayling checkpoint. While Bahl wished to continue the race, the decision was made based on rule 36 of the official Iditarod race. Rule 36 states: Competitiveness: A team may be withdrawn that is out of the competition and is not in a position to make a valid effort to compete. The Race Marshal may consider, but is not limited to, weather, trail conditions and the overall pace of the Race when invoking this rule. Bahl had 13 dogs in harness when she arrived at the Grayling checkpoint at 6:14 a.m.today.
Withdrawal is a process that must be imposed by a three-judge panel, either by a majority or unanimous vote, and which has the effect of involuntarily eliminating the musher and team from the race but which does not imply any deliberate misconduct or violation. The team and musher must leave the trail and will be assisted by the ITC. This process can be found in Rule 51 of the Official Rules of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race®.
Additionally, Rookie Iditarod musher, Justin Olnes (bib #29), of Fairbanks, Alaska scratched at 12:45 p.m. today at the Eagle Island checkpoint, stating that his team needed more rest to stay competitive. Olnes arrived at the Eagle Island checkpoint with 10 dogs in harness and departed the checkpoint at 5:22 p.m. Shortly after departing the checkpoint, Olnes returned back to the Eagle Island checkpoint in the best interest of his team.
We are so happy to have had each of these incredible teams in the race this year and hope to see them on the Iditarod Trail in the near future.
