Kangaroohoppet
Rain, sleet, thick fog, strong wind and just traces of snow in the mountains. The weather during the week preceding the Hoppet Saturday was miserable and unfriendly. Thanks to Aussie optimism and sense of humor, skier’s spirits were high and everybody believed the race would not be cancelled. Especially those who had traveled from overseas believed that if there was one thing you might rely on these days, it was snow in Australia. This confidence was rewarded on race day, Saturday August 26. Skiers were welcomed in the morning by the beautiful sun, hard snow, friendly temperature and light wind.
When the organizing committee announced a few days before, that the course had been shortened to 28 kilometers only, and moved to the upper part of the mountains, many skiers seemed to be disappointed expecting the Hoppet 2006 would be rather a stroll than a race. 28 km (2x 14 km loop) is really not a long distance by Worldloppet standard. This opinion had to be changed after checking the course. It was not only physically demanding but also very challenging technically.
The first long and winding descent seemed more like an alpine super G than part of a cross country race course. Another short but very steep descent in the second part of the loop was a back country skiing experience as many skiers took of the skis and walked down 50 meters, not risking ending the downhill in the bush.
The organizers had done an excellent job preparing the course in these extreme conditions!
A lot of excitement on the course, beautiful weather and friendly atmosphere made the Kangaroohoppet a great start of the 2006/2007 Worldloppet season.
The winners time, in a field of 284, was 1.13.17
Some results of IAWLS members:
- Nancy Caviet NED 5.14.31
- Ellis York USA 3.32.42
- Jacek Jaskowiak, POL 3.00.23
- Richard Lovik, SWE 2.45.44
- Judy Barnes AUS 2.43.05
- Robyn McLennan AUS 2.07.18
- Michael Leaney AUS 1.58.35
Australian Birkebeiner
The Australian Silver Master race started 10 minutes after the Gold Master race. It consisted of one 14 km loop of the same track. 210 skiers finished the race. Winner's time 0.39.57. A few results of IAWLS members:
- John Miller AUS 2.09.5
- Meg Bate AUS 1.53.09
- Bob Cranage AUS 1.02.22
This page was last revised on September 8, 2007