Curtain comes down on XC Junior World Champs

The FIS Nordic Junior/U23 World Ski Championships have wound up in Whistler with the 12-strong contingent of Australian cross country skiers putting in some strong results.

Along with World University Games in Lake Placid and the World Championships later this month in Slovenia, this was one of three feature events for the Australian team outside of the World Cup circuit.

The outstanding result of the Championships went to Beijing Olympian Hugo Hinckfuss who earned a place in the top 30 of the Junior Sprint. He qualified in 10th place overall, eventually finishing in 26th position after bowing out in the quarter-finals.

In the U23 Sprint, fellow Olympian Lars Young Vik was 31st, just 0.21s away from the quarter-finals. He backed that up with 44th in the 20km mass start which he credits with being his best performance in Whistler.

“The 20km Classic was probably my best distance considering the other races,” said Young Vik. “Even though I struggled a bit, I felt fitter and fitter throughout the race and could really push at the end.”

Like many of his teammates, the 22-year-old now turns his attention to the World Championships.

“I’m heading to Ramsau (Austria) after this for a pre-camp with the team, mainly focusing on a good quality training period after the racing here in Canada,” he said. “I’m excited for my first senior World Champs and very eager to race fast.”

Zana Evans turned in some strong results in the women’s junior events, finishing 33rd in the 10km free after 42nd in the sprint.

“I thought my classic sprint was going to be my better event,” said Evans. “I’ve always liked sprinting and last year at Junior Worlds had my best result in sprints.

“However, leading up to the tournament, I skied the Canadian Selection Trials at Prince George and had a great 10km skate, so I had more confidence leading up to this in Whistler, and narrowly missed out on top 30.”

In the Under 23s, Rosie Fordham and Tuva Bygrave earned five top-40 results between them. For Fordham, it was a continuation of good form following the World University Games, with the 20-year-old enjoying the cohesive nature of being in the national team environment.

“I think it was an awesome experience to be a part of both the Uni Games team and the World U23 team,” said Fordham. “The team at this event was only cross country which meant a smaller, but more tight-knit Aussie team.

“It’s the first time I’ve done two big competitions this close and I loved the atmosphere of both events and to be back around the Aussie team for a couple of weeks.”

Bygrave, races on the American collegiate circuit, echoed the sentiments of her teammate with the camaraderie amongst the Australian team providing an enjoyable experience throughout the event.

"It’s been so much fun," said Bygrave. "This was my first time meeting some of the juniors, and they’ve all been great. I know the U23s quite well, so we’ve been having a good time too.

"In general, it’s been an upbeat group, with everyone, including wax techs and coaches, all contributing to positive team dynamics.

"Everyone has each other's backs and is there on the sidelines cheering each other on.

"Relays are always important for team morale, and I certainly came out of the mixed relay on a high feeling.

Also, parents and friends of the team have been wonderful support, particularly out along the tracks."

The 2023 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships will take place in Planica, Slovenia from 21 February to 5 March.

Australian Results at 2023 FIS Nordic Junior/U23 World Ski Championships
Sprint Classic
Women’s Junior - Zana Evans 42nd, Lily Murnane 52nd, Maddie Hooker 53rd
Men’s Junior - Hugo Hinckfuss 26th, John Mordes 59th, Noah Bradford 65th
Women’s U23 - Tuva Bygrave 40th
Men’s U23 - Lars Young Vik 31st, Bentley Walker-Broose 54th, Adam Barnett 59th, Fedele de Campo 61st

20km Mass Start Classic
Women’s Junior - Lily Murnane 49th
Men’s Junior - John Mordes 59th
Women’s U23 - Tuva Bygrave 34th, Rosie Fordham 36th
Men’s U23 - Lars Young Vik 44th, Adam Barnett 57th, Bentley Walker-Broose DNF, Fedele de Campo DNF

10km Individual Free
Women’s Junior - Zana Evans 33rd, Lily Murnane 46th
Men’s Junior - Noah Bradford 61st, John Mordes 6th
Women’s U23 - Rosie Fordham 30th, Tuva Bygrave 35th
Men’s U23 - Lars Young Vik 60th, Bentley Walker-Broose 61st, Adam Barnett 62nd, Fedele de Campo 63rd

Mixed 4x5km Relay Classic/Free
Junior - 13th (Zana Evans, Hugo Hinckfuss, Lily Murnane, Noah Bradford)
U23 - 13th (Tuva Bygrave, Bentley Walker-Broose, Rosie Fordham, Adam Barnett)