Kangaroo Hoppet launches Worldloppet season

Fri, Aug  27, 2010 - By Allan Marsland

Skiers from 23 nations are gathering at Falls Creek in Southeastern Australia for this weekend's Kangaroo Hoppet, the opening event of the 2010/2011 Worldloppet season. After a slow start to the ski season in July, good snowfalls over the last two weeks have ensured excellent snow conditions for the event.

Australian Ben Sim is a favorite for the podium and hoping to make this his fifth Hoppet win after taking two wins at the National Championships at Falls Creek last weekend. The biggest obstacles in his way looks like being two fellow Vancouver Winter Olympians - Garrott Kuzzy from the USA and Valerio Leccardi from Switzerland.

In the ladies' field Slovakian Anastasia Kuzmina, gold and silver medalist in biathlon at Vancouver and Swiss Lena Pichard lead the international list, up against a local field lead by current Australian champion Aimee Watson and last year's Hoppet runner-up Esther Bottomley. Other skiers who could be in contention for a podium place include Swedish ski orienteer Johanna Edin and American Sarah Konrad.

For more information on the Worldloppet visit www.worldloppet.com

Course update: 26 August.  54 cm of new snow has fallen in the last 24 hours.  Grooming is ongoing.