Carnival at North Pole

With the first week of racing at the IFSS World Championships in the history books and the second week of races well underway, it is clear that some of the best dogs and racers have travelled from around the globe not just to compete but to enjoy the carnival that accompanies an international sports competition.

The racers and fans have come to Alaska from places as far away as Australia and South Korea, from Russia, Scandinavia and of course, from North America.  In keeping with the IFSS' Olympic aspirations, the event offers a glimpse of global harmony and camaraderie.

Over the past several days racers have been comparing notes, helping each other and sharing training and racing tips.  One of the top American skijoring competitors, said after witnessing the amazing prowess of the Norwegian skiers, "Now, I need to learn how to really ski ... like a Scandinavian!"  

Svein Ivar Moen

Sara Johansson

 The Russians and the South Koreans are sharing a dog truck.  Team US, its friends and handlers are everywhere helping with everything from getting all the teams to the line to serving as the event videographer.

After keeping the leaders in check, Janet Saxon watches as Team S. Korea's leaders settle a
a little international dispute.

Any time he wasn't on his skis, Kale Casey was front and center
recording every moment of festivities.

A few winners, in categories other than racing have also emerged.  The winner in the subjective, best team jacket category goes to Team Russia!  

The winner of the best motto goes to team Finland's use of the German dog food logo, "HAPPY DOG".

Best matching dog-human outfits was a close call between Norwegian 2 dog silver medalist, 

Yvette Hoel

for the matching dog and musher sweater set and a Team US skijorer and dog for matching warm wear. You be the judge of this one.

The award for best fans goes the partying South Koreans!  Team South Korea brought 6 dogs to the US and borrowed a couple more to race in 8 dog.

Seo Hyunchul

The team also had it very own mascot, cheering fans and waiving flags. 

 I think we were all South Korean's as we cheered Team S.Korea!

Cutest kid ... goes to local Fairbanksian

In some of the more traditional categories, the winners were mostly women! 

In the eight dog the winner is:

Kati Dagenais (Canada)

In the six dog the gold, silver and bronze go to:

Jessica Doherty, Ami Gjeston, Rachel Kinvig

In the Four Dog:

Lena Boysen Hillestad, Quentin Soulier, Amy Cooper (in order of finish)

Four Dog Mass start winners:

Lena Boysen Hillestad, Elin Bjork, Lilly Stewart (in order of finish)

Men's Skijoring

Vesa-Pekka Jurvelin, Ynge Hoel, Svein Ivar Moen (in order of finish)

Women's Skijoring

Marika Tiiperi, Yvette Hoel, Sara Johansson

Finally, the winner of the coveted spirit of the event award goes to the children of Team Sweden - for their hats