Europe’s toughest dogsled race | DW Documentary

The Finnmarksløpet in Norway is the longest and toughest dogsled race in Europe. Among this year’s competitors are Ben Voigt from Germany and 20-year-old native Hanna Lyrek. It’s a race that is always full of surprises and setbacks.
Participants face freezing temperatures, stormy weather and a lack of sleep. The Finnmarksløpet is to the Norwegians what the Tour de France is to the French, and it’s broadcast live on TV. Once they start out, the competitors or "mushers” only have their Alaskan huskies for company, and have to decide when to take breaks. Each team can have up to 14 dogs, with at least six having to make it to the finish. Given the tough conditions, Ben Voigt trains with his pack every day from August through late May. The German started mushing ten years ago after moving to Norway. He and his wife have 35 dogs in total at their home in Langfjordbotn.

Hanna Lyrek is a natural-born musher, having learned the art from her mother. Hanna competed in her first competition at the age of four - on her own. In 2018 she became the youngest ever entrant in the Finnmarksløpet, and this year she was among the favorites. Now 20, she’s among the best in the world - and her talents have also earned her welcome sponsorship.

This report follows the two mushers during training and the big event itself. They tell us about the vital relationships to their trusty animals, and the importance of adapting to their needs. Will they make it to the end of the grueling endurance race? And who will finish first?

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[kurtiswithakayy]

The dog pawing at her and then licking her face after she said "dogs have always been my best friends" was so heartwarming. WHAT A GOOD BOY

[dreadheadRedd]

Hannah is definitely one of my favorites. I love how she cares for and knows her dogs and their limitations. Her determination, strength and training has truly paid off. She’s already a winner 🤩🤩🤩

[khalidj]

Hannah & her team is really good. Her dogs seem aware and ready, she will definitely win one day.
The fact that she did really well in this race is a big achievement in itself.

[catherinebrown]

Ben's lead dog Ruby was limping. I was surprised that he did not catch that. But Ben clearly takes wonderful care of his dogs. I hope to see this event in person one day.

[veenalouis]

These dogs are so wonderful and disciplined

[Richie]

Dogsled race is quite a traditional sport in Norway.

[Landsknecht]

Unbelievable that they canceled it in the end. Completely insane.

[yes]

Ben can’t get sponsors just because he’s not Norwegian? Lame. I was rooting for him the most.

[johndewey]

Hannah looks like a very promising champion. Once COVID is gone I am sure she and her dogs will do well.

[NS-grcy]

Can't thank for this Channel enough.

[kevohwapipelinetransami]

Watching from Kenya Kanairo City 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪✋✋✋

[yoursoulisforever]

Wonderful video. I had a dog named UB and he was very old when I got a rare opportunity to do the Lewis and Clark trail in the USA. My brother said he will die if you take him with you, and he will die if you leave him behind. I took him and God and nature revived him. UB became young again and made the trail to the end, then lived on for two more years. Best dog I ever had. Thank you for the video.

[ragdianful]

Watching from South Sudan. Thanks DW for wonderful

[flavcp]

I didn't know about this race thar's incredible!!! Thanks DW <3

[michaeltoney]

Omg I love their little shoes. Adorable.

[benthekeeshond]

I am wondering how these dogs compared to the purebred Huskies or Eskimo dogs from Greenland or the Malamutes. I know that the mushers in Alaska use both purebred sled dogs and mixed breed dogs. I heard that they love to have huskies as the front runners.

[mukundd]

really felt bad for contestants, specially for Ben & Hannah

[donovanblueboy]

I seen movies like this it was always life or death in those films.

[stanfen]

Hannah will have her place in the winners bracket many times before her carrier is over .. She wasn't struggling a bit.

[MultiCose]

This video made me mad I could not pet all the dogs