It has been a beautiful summer so far in the Yukon – but just in time for the Yukon River Quest a thick bank of storm clouds rolled over Whitehorse.

Even as the rain poured down over the city, YRQ president – and competitor Jean-Francois Latour was not worried.

"At this point I'm not concerned,” he said Tuesday afternoon.

The only part of the race that could become a problem is Lake Laberge, where winds can push the waves as high as six feet. The racers are expected to begin crossing the lake this afternoon.

"The lake could be really, really nasty,” Latour said. "The only big thing that would stop us is the wind and the waves on the lake.”

In case the lake is too dangerous for the paddlers, Latour said they have a plan they hope not to use – starting the boats from Whitehorse, but holding a restart on the other side of the lake.

The contingency plan has always been in place but in the River Quest's 12-year history they have never had to use it.

Latour said the racers that participate are generally experienced to handle anything the rivers can throw their way, and canceling the race or changing the start time was not an option.

"We won't postpone the race,” he said Tuesday. "We will pull the racers out.”

Those that are running the race, should be prepared for whatever comes their way. Item checks were done early this morning to ensure that each participant had the appropriate weather gear.

"We hope they're well equipped,” Latour said.

If the weather is too extreme following this morning's start, Latour admits the as-yet unused contingency plan could cause a bit of confusion.

"It might be a little chaotic,” he said.

Early this morning, voyageur canoes began stacking up along the Yukon River, followed by the canoes and kayaks in preparation for the race.

Premier Dennis Fentie and Liberal MP Larry Bagnell spoke at 11:30 ahead of the start, which was set off by the newly refurbished whistle from the S.S. Klondike.

Latour said the registration day Tuesday went smoothly, and there were few issues.

On Wednesday night the River Questers had a meet and greet, where they were introduced to their peers and celebrated the upcoming race. Latour said it was a great event.

"It's quite exciting,” he said. "By the time we get to Dawson we're one big happy family.”

Latour was excited to see many repeat paddlers and first-timers at the meet and greet.

The YRQ president himself is running the race this year, as part of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, a tandem canoe team.

On the eve of the race, Latour was anticipating hitting the water.

"I'm quite excited,” he said.

The rainy weather just adds to the adventure the River Quest racers are going to experience along the way. With the start over, it seems the 2010 race is already set to be a great one, and Latour remains undeterred.

"We can have a storm that lasts 30 minutes,” he said.