Iditarod mushers are set to enter an area of the course where the mercury recently dipped below minus 42 degrees C.

Race official Bruce Lee reported back from the Cripple checkpoint, where the mushers are set to arrive today (March 11th 2010).

Writing on the Eye on the Trail blog, the Iditarod staff member predicted the snow will not be set up well for high speeds if the chilly conditions stay in place.

Only teams at the front of the pack, which currently includes the likes of John Baker, Martin Buser and Cim Smyth, will be able to take advantage of the icy stretch.

However, the chasing pack may struggle to navigate the crushed ice at speed, which could be a blow to Lance Mackey, one of the Last Great Race favourites, who is currently languishing down in 15th place.

Mr Lee remarked: "The trail will start falling apart as each new team goes over the trail.

"The faster teams should be able to make good time coming over here and on to the Yukon."