diff --git a/testnet/stacks-node/src/syncctl.rs b/testnet/stacks-node/src/syncctl.rs
index cc4fe70a0f..dbdc779d15 100644
--- a/testnet/stacks-node/src/syncctl.rs
+++ b/testnet/stacks-node/src/syncctl.rs
@@ -387,6 +387,7 @@ impl PoxSyncWatchdog {
             < burnchain.first_block_height + (burnchain.pox_constants.reward_cycle_length as u64)
         {
             debug!("PoX watchdog in first reward cycle -- sync immediately");
+            sleep_ms(10_000);
             return PoxSyncWatchdog::infer_initial_burnchain_block_download(
                 burnchain,
                 burnchain_tip,