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February 19, 2009; 0130 PST (Dawson City, YT) - Mushers gathered in Dawson City on Wednesday evening to receive an update on the second half of the 2009 Yukon Quest trail from former Yukon Quest champion John Schandelmeier and the Canadian Rangers.

Mushers and trail breakers alike have praised the conditions on the first half of the trail, saying it has been the best they have seen in years. On the Alaska side of the trail mushers are expecting to experience some severe jumble ice and conditions that may test the teams.

Trail breakers are doing their best to ensure the second half will remain as safe and consistent as possible for mushers and dogs. They have ensured a solid base and well-marked trail; however, there are many conditions that cannot be controlled.

When the Yukon Quest restarts on Thursday morning, Jon Little will lead the pack out of Dawson City at 10:50 AM (PST). William Kleedehn will follow 16 minutes later at 11:06 AM and Hugh Neff will start at 11:33. These top three teams have a two hour advantage over the fourth musher to leave Dawson City, Hans Gatt, who will restart at 1:41 PM.

Full details on starting times for mushers who have arrived in Dawson City can be found on the Yukon Quest website at http://yukonquest.com/site/race-updates/.