The reigning champ of the Yukon Quest International Sled-dog Race will defend his title in the 2011 edition of the race after all.

Hans Gatt, who had spoken of retirement after winning the 2010 race between Whitehorse and Fairbanks, Alaska, is the 17th musher to enter next year's race.

On its website, Quest officials noted that when he submitted his papers, he said he was doing so because he "wants to represent the Yukon in this year's Yukon Quest.

While veteran Hugh Neff, who also entered the race again, lists his residences as both Annie Lake in the Yukon and Skagway, Alaska, Gatt is the only musher of the 19 signed up so far who lives in the Yukon full-time, in the Whitehorse area.

Gatt has won four Quests so far, taking the top spot each year from 2002 to 2004 before last setting the time for the fastest race this year in nine days and 26 minutes. He has also competed in the Iditarod and several other sled-dog races over the years.

Gatt could not be reached this morning to comment on his entry.

Along with Gatt, rookie Lucy Tyrrel and veteran Sonny Lindner are the latest mushers to sign up for the 2011 race. Lindner was the first musher to win the Quest in 1984, when he finished the race in 12 days and five minutes.

The race will start Feb. 5, 2011 in Whitehorse.