GALENA, AK (February 14, 2021, 6:45 p.m.) – Iron Dog teams began arriving in Galena by 3 p.m. Sunday, again traveling in a tight and competitive group that leaves race fans wondering, “Who are this year’s top dogs going to be?” 

Teams 5 (Brett Lapham and Zack Weisz), Team 10 (Chris Olds and Mike Morgan) and Team 12 (Kruz and Kenneth Kleewein) led the pack, but at least seven other teams are not far behind. 

 “I thought it would spread out a little bit more than it did today,” said Mike Vasser, Iron Dog’s interim executive director. “There’s still less than two hours apart separating the top 10 teams. It’s incredible.” 

After what Vasser describes as “a morning all about strategy,” teams finally began leaving McGrath for their next checkpoint in Galena. 

Dr. Wade Erickson, an Expedition Class rider from Team 77, scratched after being injured in a crash. Erickson served as Iron Dog’s “COVID doctor,” helping Iron Dog develop and initiate its mitigation plan. 

“He broke some ribs and punctured a lung and rode 400 miles that way,” Vasser said, adding that Erickson will be OK. Seth Kroenke, Erickson’s teammate, hooked up with Team 88 to finish his ride into Nome. In fact, Vasser said, Expedition Class riders should begin arriving into Nome tonight, a full 12 hours before they were expected.  

Per the Iron Dog COVID plan, all Pro Class racers were tested again upon arriving in Galena, Vasser said. Assuming they all remain negative, the race for all of them will pick up again as early as 7 a.m. tomorrow morning, after their 14-hour layover is complete. 

“It’s still a very fast race, and it’s amazing how bunched up they still are,” Vasser said. 

Media Contact: Mike Vasser, Interim  Executive Director, Iron Dog Inc., (907) 563-4414  •  director@irondog.org