With the 2010 Iditarod having finished only a couple of weeks ago, many mushers will be putting off thinking about the event again for a good few months.

However, Plumas County sled dog racer Doug Wurzelbacher is already looking forward to the 2011 meeting, as he dreams of competing in his first-ever Last Great Race.

He discussed his training regime with his lead dog Mack in an interview with the Plumas Couny News, explaining that he has a long way to go before he can find himself on the Iditarod starting line.

Mr Wurzelbacher said he first needs to secure sponsorship, which he reckons will need to total $25,000 (£16,777) to cover all of his expenses.

He would then need to compete in a number of qualifying races and set fast enough times to be included in the Last Great Race.

The determined 34-year-old musher believes he will one day tackle the 1,000-mile-plus course between Anchorage and Nome, but is in no hurry.

"It’s not an obsession. Most [people] don’t run the Iditarod until they’re 40," he remarked.

If he makes to the 2011 Iditarod, Mr Wurzelbacher may expect to take on the likes of Hans Gatt and this year’s winner Lance Mackey.

However, he is unlikely to face Jeff King, who has announced retirement plans after a long and successful mushing career.