Team Petit

 

Behind many great athletes is someone or some event that inspired them to chase their dream.  For Nicolas Petit, it's the handsome dog he named Ugly.  Before Petit became known for running the Iditarod, he was known as the guy with that gorgeous blue-eyed dog.

The story begins 10 years ago with a Girdwood friend's litter of puppies. Petit chose one, and says that, "Ugly is the only name he'd answer to." He also says that such a gorgeous and well mannered dog makes people take a different view of the word ugly. 

Now Ugly monitors all the happenings while Petit trains for Iditarod 2012.  Last year Petit was entrusted, by 14 time Iditarod veteran Jim Lanier, to run the Northern Whites team in his first Iditarod.  Petit finished 28th and was named 2011 Iditarod Rookie of the Year. 

For this season Petit will be running a team primarily from the kennel of Raymie Redington, with a few additional canine athletes from Raymie's son Ray.  He is currently training at Bacon's Acres, in Big Lake, AK.  This new kennel is owned by Kristin Bacon, who will be racing as soon as her puppy team is old enough.

For more information on this year's kennel and dogs, click on the links below: