The 26 participants have now gathered in Qasigiannguit, and the TV crew that will be broadcasting the race arrived early this morning on the Arctic Command ship. Both spectators on site and those following from home can start to rejoice.
The drivers and their dogs are also getting ready. Among them is 22-year-old Angutimmarik Thygesen from Saattut, who talks about the excitement that is starting to build.
- I'm feeling good, but I'm a little nervous. It's exciting, of course, when you've trained and prepared all year, says Angutimmarik.
Although he's still young, he's participating in Avannaata Qimussersua for the second time, after his debut in Ilulissat in 2024.
He says that when he arrived in Qasigiannguit on Saturday, he had already completed the route three times. However, he's a little excited about how the dogs will react to part of the route going over sea ice, where the snow is salted.
- The dogs are used to training on land, where they eat regular snow. When they then get out on the ice and eat salted snow, it can affect their energy a little, but it doesn't last long, says Angutimmarik.
The starting point has been moved
Since there are 26 participants, it requires a large and uniform starting point. The originally planned area was changed as it provided different conditions for the sleds – some had to start on more icy ground than others.
To ensure that all sleds start under the same conditions, the starting point has been moved outside the ditch, so that everyone is now on a more even and icy ground.
- It is good that we all have the same starting point. It is also a rule in the KNQK rules that the starting points must be the same, says Angutimmarik Thygesen.
The starting point is in place, and now he is just waiting for the race to start tomorrow. The day before he ensures that the last details are in order.
- The final preparations are about the sleds, the starting point, securing the hooks for the ropes, getting the dogs' shit removed from their places, and then I also have to put my sponsors' logos on the sled, says Angutimmarik.
- Of course I hope it goes well, but I don't have high expectations, he adds calmly.
Following in his father's footsteps
Angutimmarik Thygesen has dog sledding in his mother's milk. His father, Thomas Thygesen, who has won the Avannaata Qimussersua three times, introduced him to sledding as a child.
- He doesn't train me directly, but sometimes I follow his methods, says Angutimmarik.
He is responsible for training his dogs himself. Having competitive sled dogs requires time and patience.
- The training doesn't just last a year. First you teach the dogs to pull, and if they are going to be used in competitions, they also need to be trained to run fast and gain strength, he explains.
It's important to get off to a good start
Another participant, 35-year-old Minik Olsvig Svendsen from Ilulissat, is also fully prepared for tomorrow.
- I've already fed the dogs, and now I'll prepare the sleds and get all the equipment ready for the competition, he says.
Minik first participated in Avannaata Qimussersua in 2014 and is now taking part for the sixth time. Being a sled driver requires many hours of training, and he started driving the dogs this season in October. When he arrived in Qasigiannguit on March 18, he had already completed the route three times.
- It's really good. The route is flat without many hills, he says.
How is it compared to Ilulissat?
- It's different. In Ilulissat we have both uphill and downhill runs.
But to get a good position it is always important to get a strong start.
- If you start well and are among the first, it often shapes the rest of the race. A good start is absolutely crucial.
What do you expect?
- Well, it's hard to predict. There is uncertainty and many fast participants. You never know exactly where you will end up, but of course I will fight, Minik concludes.
