Two Yukon mushers withdraw from Yukon Quest

Two Yukon mushers have withdrawn from the Yukon Quest International sled dog race, which began Saturday in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Dawson City musher Jean Denis Britten scratched Sunday at the Mile 101 dog drop for personal reasons, according to Quest officials. Whitehorse musher NormandCasavantwithdrew at the Central checkpoint Sunday due to health issues.

That leaves only one Yukon musher, Brian Wilmshurstof Dawson City, remaining in the race.

The Quest trailhas been shortened this year due to warm weather and poor snow conditions, but so far the trail is reportedly hard packed and fast.

The first mushers leftthe Circle City Checkpoint early Monday morning. Out of the Circle checkpoint,Brent Sass was leadingfollowed by Hugh Neff and Allen Moore.