As of 4pm (AKST) this afternoon, Cindy Gallea's scratch was officially announced by the ITC. Citing illness not related to Covid as the reason for her feeling it was in the best interest of her team that she end her race in Skwentna. The 69 year old Iditarod veteran last ran in 2019 citing it as her final run, but adventure called and she wanted to give it another go in 2021 saying this was for sure her final Iditarod. Sadly her race ended before the 24 hour mark.
The Deep Root kennel, who partner often with Cindy and cite her as the inspiration for their own Iditarod run last year, posted a statement on Cindy's wellbeing following the official announcement:
"With sadness we wanted to let everyone know that Cindy scratched from the race. She developed severe vertigo and nausea to the point she is unable to stand, let alone drive a sled and manage the care of her 14 best friends. In the 2014 Iditarod, she developed the same issue causing her to scratch from the race. The symptoms in 2014 lasted a number of days.
She is resting at friends in Anchorage and dogs are doing great. She said dogs had an amazing 65 mile run.
Damon will be flying up in the morning to help take care of our gal and dogs. We pray her symptoms subside soon and her spirit mends quickly.
I'll send out an update when we know more information soon."
Vertigo is not something to fool around with, and I can only imagine what it was like to deal with that while flying out on a little bush plane while also dealing with the incredible sadness of having to finish the race so early. Wishing Cindy all the best.
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