Does this mean the Iditarod is moving into the world of big time sports, or is it just The Man harshing on a certain successful musher?

Oddly, performance enhancing drugs don't seem to be the issue. Defending champ Lance Mackey thinks officials just don't want him smoking any more weed, on or off the trail. From the AP story:



ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Every human competitor now running the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race will be tested for alcohol and illegal drugs on the trail for the first time in the history of the 1,100-mile race — a change defending champion Lance Mackey believes is directed at him.

"I know for a fact," said the three-time winner.

Mackey, who has been open about using medical marijuana on the trail, on Tuesday was among the early front-runners in the race, which began with 71 teams Sunday in Willow.

Lance Mackey was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2001 and uses the marijuana to treat pain related to bone deterioration and loss of his saliva glands.

Dogs, incidentally, have been tested for performance enhancing substances during the race since 1984.

(photo via flickr creative commons / Alaskan Dude)

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