Ann Hortman of Rome is in Alaska for Sadler’s Alaska Challenge, the longest wheelchair and handcycle race in the world. Hortman, who helps coordinate the Clocktower Classic in Rome each year, is a support and gear driver for a group of athletes. She plans to send occasional dispatches from the race, where Krige Schabort of Cedartown is competing.

Today was great. Krige finished fourth in the time trial — 14 miles through Exit Glacier Park (which made for a beautiful backdrop to the start/finish line.)

Weather here is dreary and rainy, which made for interesting racing. In addition to the time trial today, there was a 20k criterium in historic downtown Seward. There were two races — one with the women handcyclists, men’s kneeseat handcycles and the wheelchair racers; and another separate race for the men’s longseat division.

In the women’s race, it was a rematch from the Beijing Paralypmics, and was an intense competition between Monique van der Vorst from the Netherlands (she has raced in Rome before) and Andrea Eskau from Germany.

The men’s kneeseat category was also a battle, with Ernst van Dyke from South Africa (Krige’s training partner) taking first over Norbert Mansuel from Germany. Krige placed fourth.

Another neat aspect of this race is the wheelchair racers. I have only experienced wheelchair racing at Cedartown’s 5k World Championship each July, and this is no different — it’s just amazing to watch the two disciplines on the same course. Saul Mendoza of Mexico, Paul Nunnari of Australia and James Lily of the USA are battling it out. It will be interesting at the end of the week to watch them climb Hatcher’s Pass, powered by their muscle alone — no gears on a wheelchair!

The last three stages are all climbing in the mountains, so that is definitely where the winners will be decided, kind of like the Tour de France where the winner is determined in the Alps.

Tomorrow we move on to the little town of Hope for a 36 mile road race. I am driving a pilot car for the men’s longseat division, so I will be able to watch the race unfold.

My "team" that I am piloting is pretty incredible - Matt Updike (USA - Beijing Paralympian and three time racer in Rome), Stefan Baumann (Germany) and Elmar Sternath (Austria). All three are at the top of their sport, and should definately be the top three longseat racers here.

There is a great video of Stefan on YouTube and the Sadler’s Alaska Challenge Web site.