NPR: Leaders Battling Darkness, Cold, Sleep

Leaders Battling Darkness, Cold, Sleep

Looking back at the Alaska Range from the trail to Nikolai. After crossing those mountains, the leaders will likely have covered this ground in the dark.

Courtesy of Iditarod Trail Invitational

The 350-mile Iditarod Trail Invitational should have a winner in the men's cycling division this morning, according to the record keepers.

Jay Petervary and Peter Basinger are in the last 50 miles, with the major obstacle being lack of sleep. Petervary's got the lead. Basinger was slowed earlier in the race when he broke a pedal and had to wait for a new one on the mail plane. The record keeper writes, "Will Jay go all the way without stopping? If he stops, can Peter catch him if Peter does not stop?"

In 2006, Peter Basinger shared his victory with Rocky Reifenstuhl. Race organizer Bill Merchant says Basinger stuck with Reifenstuhl, who's with the lead pack again this year, rather than leave him behind. They crossed the line together.

After the jump, an updated Google map.

View Larger Map
Weather in McGrath, 02.28.08: High of 15, low of -5.

Laura Conaway

6:31 AM ET | 02-28-2008 | permalink

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