麻豆社区

Yukon Quest musher Crispin Studer won the final race of the local mushing series Sunday, edging Jonathan Lucas by slightly more than one minute in the 16-km (10-mile) sled category.

Studer, 32, finished the Cool Dogs and Hot Springs race at the Takhini Hot Springs in 54 minutes, 13 seconds 鈥� tops amongst a mushing field of 16.

Stefan Wackerhagen won the 10-mile skijor race in a quick 54:27, topping a five-member field.

Studer said his win was a bit of a fluke, as he was running with a team of young dogs that hadn't competed recently.

"There were a bunch of sprint teams, but they all had problems,鈥� he said. "I guess I was the fastest team that didn't have problems, but I won't complain.鈥�

The Carcross musher followed up his race win with a soak in the springs with his family.

Studer will be back behind his sled this weekend for the Percy DeWolfe Memorial Mail Race, a 338-km (210-mile) international dog sled race that runs from Dawson City to Eagle, Alaska, and return.

Yukon Brewing Twister Series coordinator Fabian Schmitz said the hot springs race is a popular one because of its attractive location and the anticipation of a post-race soak in the springs.

"I think it's just perfect,鈥� Schmitz said of the series' grand finale. "People are motivated to come to the race and it's a beautiful spot and trail. It's a great finisher for the season.鈥�

He said the Twister series continues to serve its purpose of welcoming newcomers to the sport, while providing a competitive race each month for local sprint mushers.

Schmitz said changes are afoot with the local mushing series, as he will be stepping down from his position with Dog Powered Sports Association of the Yukon to focus on his role as Yukon Quest operations manager.

"Somebody else will need to step up next year,鈥� he said. "It would be a shame if it doesn't continue.鈥�

Race winners: 10-mile Sled 鈥� Crispin Studer 54:13; 10-mile Skijor 鈥� Stefan Wackerhagen 54:27; 5-mile Kids 鈥� Connor Ferguson 26:21; 5-mile Rec/Pet 鈥� Janet Keller 27:33.