Sotskov Report #1

AUSXC Head Coach Alexei Sotskov reports on the season opening FIS races in Finland and Sweden and the new team van supported by Colormaker.

The 2025-26 Northern Hemisphere winter season for the Australian XC Ski Team has started!

The first series of races for the team was last weekend in Muonio, Finland, with skiers from over 20 national teams competing. Despite some difficulties dealing with the jetlag, our skiers demonstrated that they are fully prepared to be very competitive against the best in the world. 

Right from the very first race Maddie Hooker performed at her best, by the end of the weekend she had qualified to start at the World Cup Opener in Ruka, Finland on November 28-30. Other noteworthy results were demonstrated by Isabella Moon and Hannah Price, who achieved their best ever FIS points. Adam Barnett, Vincent De Souza, Heli Laajoki made strong season starts, racing all three events over the long weekend. The only junior athlete, Satara Moon, also raced well, but had to skip one race due to a stomach issue.

After Muonio, the team moved to Gallivare, Sweden and were joined by World Cup athletes Lars Young Vik, Fedele de Campo, Bentley Walker-Broose and Phillip Bellingham. In the sprint competition Lars Young Vik was only one second off from qualifying for the finals with a very strong international field of 250+ competitors. In 10km classical style race Maddie Hooker had another great result, confirming she is ready to be competitive at the World Cup races next weekend. Another noticeable result came from Satara Moon, who was 8th among junior racers. The rest of the men all raced hard, with these events being used for selection for starts in each race at the Ruka World Cup.

Vincent de Souza in the 10km Freestyle in Gallivare

Our great van, sponsored by Colormaker Industries, is becoming a part of the team. It serves us not only as transportation for the team members and equipment from one event to another, but also as a storage facility for the skis, poles, extra wax and other equipment during the race days at the ski stadium. It does make a huge difference and certainly helps our skiers to perform at their best!

Next update will be from Ruka Finland, where all the best skiers from the planet will start 2025-26 World Cup season. The Australian ski team will be represented by the biggest squad in recent history of 10 athletes. After tremendous success last year our athletes are ready not just to participate, but fight for to climb up the lists this weekend. The weather is forecasted to be very challenging with snow and rain, but we are ready and excited about races. We appreciate the support from Snow Australia and our sponsors and will perform at our best! 

Stay tuned and cheer for the Australian skiers!

- Head Coach, Alexei Sotskov