AUSXC Team ready for World Cup opener

The Australian XC Ski Team is set to field its largest ever team at a World Cup with 10 athletes entered for three days of racing in Ruka, Finland. Five women and five men in various combinations will take on the season opening Classic Sprint, 10km Classic and 20km Freestyle events.

Nine of the athletes raced on World Cup last season and at the 2025 World Championships in Trondheim, with 20-year-old Maddie Hooker making her World Cup debut after qualifying at the last possible chance in FIS races in Finland just over a week ago. Hooker previously represented Australia at the World Junior Championships in 2023 and 2024, and has now taken a big step up in her first season as a senior.

"I’m incredibly excited and grateful to make my World Cup debut," said Hooker. "This is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to give it my all out on the course."

Head Coach Alexei Sotskov reports from Ruka that conditions will be tough but the team is ready.

"The weather is forecast to be very challenging with snow and rain, but we are ready and excited about races," he said. "After tremendous success last year our athletes are ready not just to participate, but fight to climb up the lists this weekend. We appreciate the support from Snow Australia and our sponsors and will perform at our best!"

2025 World U23 Championship silver medal winner, Rosie Fordham, comes into Ruka fresh off a win and a second place in FIS races in Alaska last weekend.

"I’m excited to get the World Cup season started this weekend," she said. "I had some promising races in Anchorage and I’m hoping to build on the lessons learnt there as we get into the European season."

Other team members are equially optimistic about the races and the season ahead.

Lars Young Vik - "I ended last season with some big PBs and looking forward to build on that in this Olympic season. We’re all keen to show that we’re a team on the rise and deliver some good results!"

Ellen Soehol Lie - "I'm really excited going into a new season and kicking it of in Ruka for the first time! It’s so cool to have such a big team with 10 athletes and we will make sure to perform our best here in the dark and cold part of Finland.

Fedele de Campo - "The Australian cross country ski team is building in size and momentum. Within the group, the feeling of growth is palpable. We are keen to put down some head-turning results!”

Bentley Walker-Broose - " Ruka is always pretty exciting! Everyone’s finally showing up in one place and the intensity is definitely there! It’s also awesome to catch up with all the fellow Aussies to be a team once more."

Seve de Campo - "Really excited to be back for World Cup this season and always Nice to be back with the Aus team on the road. Let’s ski fast!"

This is the first of three World Cups for the Australian Team before Christmas, with the next two events to take place in Trondheim (NOR) and Davos (SUI) in the following weeks.

Australian Team for Ruka World Cup

The Ruka World Cup race are broadcast on Snow Live. Live timing is also available via the FIS website.