At the beginning of February, training influencer Jørgine “Funkygine” Massa Vasstrand (33) lined up at the start of the Femundløpet with her eight draft dogs – caught on camera in the new TV 2 series – Jørgine – alone with the pack.
The 33-year-old had put behind him a ten-month bone-chilling training period with training and qualifying races ahead. Along the way, she had, among others, mentor Leif Tore Lie (57) to help her towards her dream of completing one of Norway’s hardest dog races.
THE FEMUND RACE: With the TV camera in tow, Jørgine “Funkygine” Massa Vasstrand went through an intense training period before she finally got to participate in the Femundløpet earlier this year. Photo: TV 2
At the starting point on Røros, the relatively new dog handler was full of nerves when the big day had arrived. In front of her awaited a demanding 450-kilometre course along the sea, high mountains and waterways.
– Standing on the starting line of the Femundløpet was absolutely, absolutely horrible. I was so sick, and so unwell and anxious that I didn’t really know what to do, she admits to TV 2 during the TV series’ press day.
Vasstrand especially looked forward to the competition’s infamous 90-degree turn, but it turned out to be a waste.
– There is a big “snack ice” on the Femundløpet, but I managed it without any particular effort really.
– After that, and up to the Orkelbogen checkpoint, I just stood on the sled and felt like the luckiest person in the world. So it was very, very positive, and a crazy feeling of mastery to make it happen on my own for the first time, really, she continues.
Watch Vasstrand share about the Femundløpet in the video at the top of the story.
– Defeat
But two days and 316 kilometers on the snow later, the TV profile realized that she had to break.
Three of the dogs in the pack showed signs of discomfort and fatigue – including the lead dog Mummi. She therefore found herself obliged to drop off the animals at Orkelbogen, before she drove on.
When a fourth quadruped started coughing it was decided.
– It was very tough. My goal was to finish with all the dogs. I wasn’t driving to get a position, or to hurry or anything. I only aimed to get healthy dogs to the finish line, so it was a defeat to have to put someone down, she says.
– Felt that I succeeded
Despite the fact that the race was not completed, Vasstrand could take comfort in the fact that several participants were in the same situation as her.
– I learned in a way that it happens to the vast majority of people. I sat and watched the tracking afterwards, and I see that very few of them make it to the finish line with all the dogs.
DEFEAT: Training influences Jørgine “Funkygine” Massa Vasstrand was unable to finish the Femund Race after several of the dogs suffered ailments during the competition. Photo: Private / Instagram
The training profile further points out that the most important thing was the well-being of the animals, and that the winner’s skull was put aside in this context.
– It was sad, but I was very, very happy to see that when I delivered the dogs that evening at the kennel, they were completely untouched, and that was the most important thing for me. Not driving too hard and not taking chances. Don’t get overzealous and don’t feel the competitive instinct, but just think dog, she says, and adds:
– And I felt that I succeeded.
All in all, the 33-year-old is satisfied with his performance.
– I think I’ll have to try again another time.
– Next year?
– Yes, I really want to race next year. Whether it will be the Femund race or what it will be – I don’t know, but I really want to run more races, she concludes.
The husband about Jørgine’s second place: – I think it’s really rubbish
Watch the premiere of Jørgine – alone with the herd on Wednesday at 20.00 on TV 2 Direkte and TV 2 Play.
