John Oivind Selmer, trade union leader, and Oyvind Skogen, mechanic, from INEOS in Norway both participate in Finnmarksløpet, the world’s northernmost sled dog race.
As races go, it’s possibly the coolest on Earth. But competition is hotting up for the start of the Finnmark sled dog race – a 500km race over frozen lakes and mountains in temperatures that can plummet to -45c.
Lining up at the start will be John Oivind Selmer and Oyvind Skogen, both from INEOS in Norway.
John’s a veteran, having completed this race – regarded by many as the toughest in the world – 11 times. Oyvind’s a novice by comparison, having gone the distance just once before.
But both men have been training hard for the race, half of which will be run in the dark. But they are not the only ones who need to be in great shape when they set off from Alta with 75 other teams.
“Our dogs must be well trained too,” said Oyvind. “And that means they must be in good physical shape as well as mentally sound.”
The men expect the conditions to be bad. Heavy snow and strong winds are what they fear most.
“Some mushers have described this race as a course in survival,” said Oyvind.
But if the weather is good, he says it will be the most beautiful winter adventure ever.
“A great Northern Light playing over the sky is a fantastic sight,” he said.
To keep out frostbite – and there is always a real danger of losing toes and fi ngers to the icy cold – both men will be wearing several layers of clothing.
“We can wear up to six layers,” said Oyvind.
During the epic race, teams do have an opportunity to stop for a breather because their dogs must rest for 20 hours.
“I will be satisfied if I get five hours’ sleep,” said Oyvind.
Most important of all will be to keep hydrated and not to get lost.
“It is very easy to lose your way because there are so many snow scooter tracks in Finnmark,” said Oyvind.
If all goes to plan, John and Oyvind would like to finish in under two days and three hours, which is John’s personal best.
The fastest time ever recorded was two days and one hour.