Šediváčkův Long dog sled race begins in Orlické Mountains

The annual Šediváčkův Long dog sled race gets under way this evening in Deštné in the Orlické Mountains. Considered one of the toughest dogsledding events in Europe, the race has attracted more than 100 competitors from 12 countries.

Most are mushers racing with dog sleds, while others compete on cross-country skis with one or two dogs, or on fat-tyre mountain bikes.

The main course covers more than 300 kilometres over five stages. A shorter, four-stage route measures 200 kilometres. Racers are expected to reach the finish on Saturday.

Because of a thaw, organisers moved parts of the course to higher elevations, where around 30 centimetres of snow remain.