Today’s Stage 3 started at the Upper Green River Trailhead the same as yesterday's Stage 2, although conditions between yesterday and today could not have been more different. Teams started off with light snow falling, and finished with more than breezy, 30 mph to be precise, winds. The 34-mile trail was beautifully groomed by Wyoming State Trails.

Although times were slower overall because of the weather, mushers were pleased with their results, and at least four reported much improved runs today. Returning Stage Stop Champion Anny Malo now has a commanding 15-minute lead, however Lina Streeper and Cathy Rivest are following in strong 2nd and 3rd places respectively.

The challenge for teams this morning came at Mile 5 when the route turned north and began a steady climb which pitched up at the crest. The closer that teams got to the mid-point turn around, the more they saw whiteout. At Mile 15, race leader Anny Malo and runner-up Lina Streeper had kept their three-minute time difference. Today’s climb was much steeper than anything the racers saw yesterday.

Most mushers only see 3-day races so after tomorrow we should see a greater widening of the field. This is where the advantages of the pool of dogs come into play and it gets exciting from on.

Stage 3 —Pinedale, Wyoming results:

1 — Anny Malo 2:29:24
2 — Lina Streeper 2:32:37
3 — Dave Torgerson 2:36:47
4 — Cathy Rivest 2:37:59
5 — Rachel Courtney 2:39:17
6 — Hans Gatt 2:40:48
7 — Alix Crittenden 2:42:35
8 — Bruce Magnusson 2:43:14
9 — Ryan Baeber 2:44:10
10 — JR Anderson 2:44:11
11 — Thad McCracken 2:48:41
12 — Austin Forney 2:50:56
13 — Jake Robinson 2:52:20
14 — Grant Beck 2:55:51
15 — Gwenn Bogart 3:02:06
16 — Tim Thiessen 3:04:02
17 — Jerry Scdoris 3:11:28
18 — Diane Marquis 3:11:53
19 — Laura Bontrager 3:13:14
20 — Chris Adkins 3:15:14
21 — Fernando Ramirez 3:22:47
22 — Christina Gibson 3:31:10
23 — Geneva Lyon 4:06:10

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