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Pivotal moment dead ahead in Iditarod 2011Four-time Iditarod champ Martin Buser from Big Lake, in an interesting strategic move, appears to have abandoned his usual plan of camping at Salmon River south of Nikolai. Instead, he led the Iditarod pack into that village Tuesday, conspicuously advertising that he is now driving the fastest team on the trail. Behind him, Robert Bundtzen from Anchorage, displaying great speed in his team, was second. Now, it is as if we are starting in Willow. The race is pretty much even up. 'Crux' of Iditarod upon usWe have the top six in a tight group in Nikolai. Anyone of them could attack, make a strong move and define the race. For the long time Iditarod fan, this is the “crux” -- the compelling moment for a chess move by one of the lead competitors. All six are setting themselves up for the mandatory 24-hour break to be taken somewhere further along the trail. Nikolai is the moment when they begin the planning to arrive at the 24-hour mandatory. If you can, put your mind with that of the two four-time champs -- Buser and Mackey. Each now knows that a calculated gamble could put a stamp on the race. Mackey, in particular, is known for sweeping moves and displays of strength that break open the race. Will he save it for the last half of the race, or watch Buser and then try to counter attack this evening? Joe Runyan, champion of the 1985 Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race and 1989 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, worked with former Iditarod champion Jeff King on his book, "Cold Hands, Warm Heart" as well as with defending Iditarod champion Lance Mackey on his autobiography, "The Lance Mackey Story", and will be providing commentary and analysis of Iditarod 39 for Alaska Dispatch. You are always a pleasure to read, Mr. Runyon -- and I think I've read just about everything available on the Iditarod. Maybe it's silly complimenting someone as experienced as you or Medred, but maybe not: a few words of encouragement always help, I think. Because, where would all the fans be, who, like me, haven't been to Alaska and probably won't see an Iditarod except through eyes like yours? I love the race, and I also love the different perspectives that the Dispatch writers bring to the whole event. It's really great! Drid Williams Better polish up your crystal ball, Joe. Gephardt has dropped out and Mackey is struggling to keep up with Buser. Maybe if you were up here on the trail you'd have a little better grip on what's happening on the trail. It's clearly Buser in the driver's seat right now. Joe. What to make of Lance Mackay's team down to 12 dogs out of Nikolai? |
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