Two of the biggest sled dog championships in Europe have joined forces to create a brand new contest.

The Finnmarkslopet in Norway and La Grande Odyssee Savoie Mont Blanc in France have teamed up to establish the Arctic Alps Cup, which will be won by the musher with the most points in the La Grande Odyssee Savoie Mont Blanc and Finnmarkslopet 1,000 km races.

Each of these events will see mushers earn points depending on their finishing positions compared with other sled drivers competing in the Arctic Alps Cup.

They must finish both races in the same year as each other and the three best entrants will share a prize of €10,000 (£8,159).

Henry Kam, chief executive of La Grande Odyssee Savoie Mont Blanc, said that the new cup will further efforts to professionalise sled dog racing.

Per Aronsen of the Finnmarkslopet added: "This will put extra focus on sled dog racing. This will make new possibilities for the mushers."

Registration for next year's Finnmarkslopet race opened last week.

Mushers who register before September 18th will be able to take part in a draw for the first starting positions – so interested parties might want to get their dog harnesses at the ready.