The 32nd Kangaroo Hoppet was held at Falls Creek last week in beautiful winter conditions, with warm temperatures, sunshine and a fast, firm track greeting competitors for the start of Australia’s premier cross-country ski marathon.

While the snowpack presented significant challenges in the lead-up to the event, organisers, groomers and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the Kangaroo Hoppet, Birkebeiner and Joey races could go ahead.

The Kangaroo Hoppet course started firm and fast, with the track softening quickly once the first racers got underway. With snow conditions limiting the available course, all three events were shortened, but that did little to dampen the enthusiasm of competitors or spectators.

In the men’s Kangaroo Hoppet, Lars Young Vik claimed his first victory in the iconic Australian event, finishing ahead of Seve De Campo and Bentley Walker-Broose.

For Young Vik, winning the Kangaroo Hoppet was a particularly special achievement.

“It feels great to win my first Kangaroo Hoppet. It’s the pinnacle event of Australian cross country skiing and I’m honoured to join the ranks with some of our best skiers,” he said.

The battle for the men’s victory was closely fought, with Young Vik and De Campo racing together for much of the event. It was only late in the race that Young Vik began to believe the win was within reach.

“It was a good race with Seve and we knew quite early that it was between the two of us for the win. I felt pretty confident going out on the last lap but it wasn’t until the top of Tank Hill that I felt confident that I was going to take it,” he said.

In the women’s Kangaroo Hoppet, Rosie Fordham secured her second victory, finishing ahead of Maddie Hooker and Isabella Moon.

Fordham was delighted to return to the top step at her home event.

“Feels great to have a second win here. The vibes were awesome and as always so nice to race at home. I was very impressed with the ability to run the event. I think the organisers did very well with what was available,” Fordham said.

Despite the shortened course and unusual conditions, Fordham enjoyed the challenge of racing on the modified track.

“I liked the course. A bit hillier than the usual course and a lot more lap traffic to deal with but overall a great race course,” she said.

The Birkebeiner also saw strong racing across both the women’s and men’s fields.

Ava McCann took the women’s Birkebeiner ahead of Elle Sankey and Ella Green, while Jayden Spring claimed the men’s race, followed by Clancy Harvey and Samuel Johnson.

The Joey race provided another opportunity for younger competitors to experience the atmosphere of the Kangaroo Hoppet weekend.

Liam Cullen-Croke took victory in the men’s Joey, with American competitor Levi Gurarie finishing second and Morris Plomley in third.

The women’s Joey was won by Zara Potocki, followed by Genevieve Dubrava and Thea Harvey.

Results

Kangaroo Hoppet – Men

Lars Young Vik

Seve De Campo

Bentley Walker-Broose

Kangaroo Hoppet – Women

Rosie Fordham

Maddie Hooker

Isabella Moon

Birkebeiner – Men

Jayden Spring

Clancy Harvey

Samuel Johnson

Birkebeiner – Women

Ava McCann

Elle Sankey

Ella Green

Joey – Men

Liam Cullen-Croke

Levi Gurarie (USA)

Morris Plomley

Joey – Women

Zara Potocki

Genevieve Dubrava

Thea Harvey