By about 3 p.m. Anchorage time, all the Iditarod racers still in the race, save that of the tail of the dog – David Sawatsky – had come through the checkpoint at Rohn, Alaska, and 28 mushers had made it to the Nicolai checkpoint on the third day of the race from Anchorage to Nome. The section between Rohn and Nicolai, especially the first 20 miles, is rough and rugged, and it’s a fairly long leg of the race. It’s the day that makes or breaks dogsled teams or their drivers.

Only two racers have withdrawn from the race so far.

The abandon of Scott Jansen, the second withdrawal in the race, left an even number of racers and no Point d’Appui on the day. The racers on the cusp of the fulcrum, Les Cuspides, as the French would put it, are Curt Perano and Aaron Peck. Three cheers and a nap for all, including the dogs, who make it to Nicolai.