Kangaroo Hoppet 2026: Young Vik and Fordham win at Falls Creek
The 32nd Kangaroo Hoppet took place at Falls Creek, Australia, today, delivering a memorable day of Worldloppet racing despite challenging snow conditions in the lead-up to the event.
Warm temperatures, sunshine and a fast, firm track greeted the competitors. Due to the limited snowpack, the Kangaroo Hoppet and Birkebeiner courses had to be shortened, but thanks to the efforts of organisers, groomers and volunteers, Australia’s Worldloppet race could go ahead.
First Hoppet victory for Lars Young Vik
In the men’s Kangaroo Hoppet, Lars Young Vik claimed his first victory at the iconic Australian event. He finished ahead of Seve De Campo and Bentley Walker-Broose.
“It feels great to win my first Kangaroo Hoppet! It’s the pinnacle event of Australian XC skiing and I’m honoured to join the ranks with some of our best skiers,” said Young Vik.
In the women’s race, Rosie Fordham secured her second Kangaroo Hoppet victory, ahead of Maddie Hooker and Isabella Moon.
Fordham praised the organisers for making the race possible under difficult conditions: “The vibes were awesome and as always so nice to race at home. I was very impressed with the ability to run the event.”
Kangaroo Hoppet 2026 results
Men
- Lars Young Vik
- Seve De Campo
- Bentley Walker-Broose
Women
- Rosie Fordham
- Maddie Hooker
- Isabella Moon
In the Birkebeiner, Jayden Spring won the men’s race ahead of Clancy Harvey and Samuel Johnson, while Ava McCann took the women’s victory ahead of Elle Sankey and Ella Green.
Despite the shortened courses, the 2026 Kangaroo Hoppet once again showed the strength of the Worldloppet community. A huge thank you goes to the organisers, volunteers, officials and Falls Creek groomers who worked hard to make the 32nd edition possible.
