Wednesday, October 27, 2004
MICHIGAN MUSHER CHOSEN TO COMPETE IN EUROPEAN INVITATION ONLY VENUE
MARQUETTE – Dr. Tim Hunt, DVM, has become one of twenty-five mushers invited to participate in the inaugural running of Le Grande Odyssee, a one thousand kilometer sled dog race with a trail traversing France , Switzerland , and Italy .
A 1989 graduate of Michigan State University , Dr. Hunt is an owner/practicing veterinarian at the Bayshore Veterinary Hospital in Harvey , Michigan , and has been a musher for ten years. His racing resume includes Michigan ’s U.P. 200 and Midnight Run, Minnesota ’s John Beargrease Marathon, Wyoming ’s International Stage Stop Race, Canadian-American Percy De Wolfe, and other weekend races in the United States . He has served as a veterinarian in both the Iditarod and U.P. 200 races.
From the continental United States , only two other mushers were chosen to compete; Montana ’s Melanie Shirilla and Wyoming ’s Frank Teasley. Other American mushers competing include Alaska ’s Jeff King, Jessie Royer, Bill Steyer, and John Shandelmeier. Rounding out the field are two Canadians, one Japanese, one Russian and thirteen European mushers.
Le Grande Odyssee’s race format includes two 100 mile loops, each to be run three times. Mushers are required to run the race in an unassisted format, with handlers available to assist at six of the eighteen checkpoints. The race begins on Jan uary 8 th, and culminates with an award ceremony on Jan uary 19 th, 2005. The purse totals $187,500.00. Famed French author and renowned musher Nicolas Vanier is credited with the concept of this race and will serve on the staff. The checkpoints for Le Grande Odyssee are located in some of Europe’s premier ski locations within the Alps.
Dr. Hunt will be assisted by his handler, wife Mary. His team is required to consist of a maximum of 10 dogs and a minimum of 6. Dr. Hunt will take 14 of his Alaskan Huskies, in case he needs to replace a team member due to injury. Additional information on the race is available on the web at http://www.grandeodyssee.com.
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Prepared by Beverly Stroh