Russian cross country skier Vitaly Tchernov dominated the 1999 Kangaroo Hoppet , Australia's international cross country ski marathon. The Kangaroo Hoppet is held annually at Falls Creek in north east Victoria, and attracted over 1200 skiers from twenty nations.

Tchernov won the 42km race in the time of 1hr, 45min and 25sec, over two minutes clear from Australian Cameron Morton. Canadian John Westdal took third place.

"I am very happy," said Tchernov after the race. "It is my first victory in Australia, my dreams have come true. It was very hard, and I am very tired, but I am very happy." Tchernov, from Kharberovsk in eastern Siberia, was skiing in his fourth Kangaroo Hoppet, his previous best placing a third from 1998.

Norwegian National Team member Jannike Oeyen won the women's section, beating Brigitte Witschi-Wenger from Switzerland by over eight minutes, with Australian champion Camille Melvey further back in third place.

Tchernov, Morton, and 1999 Australian Champion Ben Derrick went off the front of the main pack in the frist few kilometres. Derrick, who had been sick for most of the last week, dropped off at the base of the first major climb. At about 12km Tchernov picked up the pace and broke away from Morton. He quickly established a lead over the next couple of kilometres and never looked back. Six different skiers occupied third place at various stages, but in the end Canadian John Westdal skied a very good tactical race to finish on the podium.

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For further information contact Allan Marsland: 03 5754 3103

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RESULTS PREPARED BY INTOUCH TECHNOLOGY - 29/08/99