Final 2016 Yukon Quest musher arrives at finish line

The final 2016 Yukon Quest musher hascrossed the finish line near Whitehorse.

Quest rookieGaetan Pierrard, 39, arrived at Takhini Hot Springs around 9 a.m. Friday. The 1,600 kilometre sled dograce began Feb. 6 in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Pierrard said he felt the support of volunteers and spectators despite not being among thefastest teams.

"[It] was nice to gothrough these checkpoints, even being last and late, to have still a big crowd just cheering at me, big smiles, big hearts all the way."

Pierrard was the 19thmusher to complete this year's race. Twenty-three teams began the race; three scratched and one was involuntarily withdrawn.

The Yukon Quest awards banquet will take place Saturday nightin Whitehorse.

This year's race was won by AlaskanHugh Neff. The purse of $115,000U.S. will be shared among the top 10 finishers.