ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The fastest team of the UP 200 crossed the finish line Sunday afternoon.
Musher Martin Massicotte of Québec was the first to bring his team to the end of the race just before 1:00, with a total trail time of 25 hours, 19 minutes, and 26 seconds. The runner-up came in a little over an hour after Massicotte.
“Satisfaite,” he said. His teammate and translator echoed, “Very satisfying.”
Masicotte and his team worked hard for this win, with many years and races leading up to the big moment.
“Since 20 years he wanted to win this race,” his teammate said, “He came twelfth 13 times. He was second or third a lot of times, and then he did it.”
He gave much of the praise to his dogs, who each got a well-deserved treat after the race.
“The dream team,” Massicotte said.
Massicotte’s first-place finish is more than just a personal win. He said it was an honor to race alongside his fellow mushers and to become part of the legacy of the UP 200.
His teammate translated, “He’s satisfied because he wanted to win when all the best mushers are there, and that’s what happened.”
