Dryland Silk Way (Part II)

Ready, steady… There is only one word left before the race of sled dog snowless disciplines starts.

The dogs are ready, the drivers feel nervous. The final countdown has started. In a second they will have to rush to finish line as a team. The referees are also here to look after abidance by rules.

It seems that dogs by contrast with drivers are perfectly calm before the start.

Although this appearance can be deceptive. In a few seconds the dogs literally jump out of their skins so there is a chance of making false start.

The task to hold a 30kg weighted friend is a hard task for women drivers.

Ready... Steady...

Go!

All starts are different. Some dogs drift heavily upwards and aside

Some as true sprinters make a low getaway

Some don't bother fussing about the final outcome and smoothly cross the finish line

The contestants continue to make their minds to struggle.

The pair of dogs is a true proof test. The driver has to hold the bike tightly, or the dogs will drag vehicle away without human. They are indeed huge!

And if you're on the bike you have to keep the saddle, it's quite clear…

But the scooter driver can lose his vehicle right on his way if the foot jumps off. Such mighty dogs won't even feel the loss.

“Hold on, we're starting in a moment”

At first the races were held in bikejoring and scootering. Later the canicross discipline (run with dogs) has begun.

Somewhere on the route

Scooter driver crosses the finish line

Have a look at the canicross champion from Yekaterinburg. As we can see from the race results, not only the breed is important but also the teamwork, sportsman's trainig and shape, and man and dog synergy.

Women have their own tournament which is quite clear, because it's hard to compete with men in the long distance race.

The great huge 55kg weighted malamute from Stavropol is watching the race from outside. We got acquainted. He is gorgeous, although he doesn't like to be photographed. I could take a shot only from the ambush.

The youngest contestants

The kids are all excited

After each contestant has crossed the finish line the award ceremony was carried.

Let's have a look at these tired but happy smiling people!

It was a great sport event carried on the highest level! See you next year!