Hamilton, Bellingham combine for strong start at SkiMo World Championships

Six Australians opened the Ski Mountaineering World Championships for Australia on Monday, combining in pairs for the Mixed Relay.

The event saw athletes tackle a technically challenging course with over 145m vertical gain over off-piste terrain.

In the qualifications, both Ava McCann and Innika De Rosa were unfortunate to have equipment malfunctions which detracted from their races. Nonetheless, both athletes put in a solid effort with a 31st and 41st respectively out of 46 starters. Lara Hamilton managed to have a blinder initially, clocking in the 13th fastest time at the top of the first climb, but unfortunately came unstuck with a fall on the first decent before finishing qualification in 27th.

For the men, Brian Lichi was the first cab of the rank managing to put in a respectable time of 11:01.0 on a gruelling course. Bastien Missud's aerobic prowess took him to 41st position out of 46 starters. Phillip Bellingham, fresh off the plane from the Nordic World Championships in Trondheim, clocked an amazing 26th has he built gains throughout his run.

With both Lara and Phil’s time combined, Team Australia managed to secure a spot in the B Final for the first time this season.

In the B Final, Lara overcame every climb and pass nations like she was going for a morning stroll. Phil, who had only finished his qualification a mere 30 minutes earlier, managed to hold onto the pack and move up with skilful descents and transitions. All in all, Australia finished 9th in the B Final.

The team’s focus now turns to the Vertical on Tuesday where seven Australian athletes will take on the gruelling test of racing 500 vertical metres over a 2.75km course.