Iditarod withdraws Wisconsin rookie Quince Mountain from the race

By Anchorage Daily News

Updated: March 20, 2020 Published: March 19, 2020

Iditarod rookie Quince Mountain gives high-fives to spectators near Mulcahy Stadium during the March 7 ceremonial start in Anchorage. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

Quince Mountain, a Wisconsin rookie in the Red Lantern position, was withdrawn from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on Wednesday by race officials, who cited the race rule regarding competitiveness.

Mountain, 32, was the last musher to reach Unalakleet, arriving around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, 10 hours after anyone else.

Mountain’s wife, Blair Braverman, said on Twitter that Iditarod officials want to close checkpoints early out of concern over the novel coronavirus, and that’s why Mountain was withdrawn. Braverman is a 2019 Iditarod finisher and a writer who is helping the Daily News cover this year’s race.

Because of increasing coronavirus precautions, the Iditarod is closing checkpoints early and has withdrawn Q from the race. They are flying his healthy team of 14 dogs back to Anchorage. It’s heartbreaking. Q told the dogs they did so well that they won Iditarod early.
— Blair Braverman (@BlairBraverman) March 18, 2020

Mountain still had all 14 dogs in harness. He and the dogs are in good health, the race reported.

Mountain’s departure puts Tolsana rookie Dennis Kananowicz in position to win the Red Lantern, awarded to the Iditarod’s last-place finisher.