The Chopperoos show true Aussie grit as Australia leaves as the fastest team of the 2017 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Championships.

Australia's Chopperoos produced the fastest time at the 2017 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Championships on their way to a bronze medal finish, a heart breaking moment in the semi-final costing the hot favourites the chance to defend their world title.

The reigning World Champs smashed Belgium and Austria in the heats to storm into the semi-final of the 23-team event at the 11,500 capacity Hakons Hall in Lillehammer, Norway on Saturday morning (Australian time).

The Aussies finished well ahead of Poland in the semi-final but an early start in the change between two disciplines – the underhand chop and singlebuck – saw the refs call for a video review.

In a devastating blow the Aussies were handed a 15-second penalty giving Poland the shock win.

Despite one of the great upsets in the sport's rich history, Australia found motivation and put in the fastest time of any team in the tournament – a stunning 47.06 seconds - in the minor final against Canada to secure bronze.

Australia's rivals New Zealand won the final against Poland in a time of 51.76 seconds.

The Aussie team was proud of their effort but disappointed to miss the chance to defend their crown.

Chopperoo Glen Gillam, of Victoria, said: "That's the way the cookie crumbles but next year is another year. We'll come back with more determination and aggression to take first place."

The team event sees four athletes compete in four disciplines – Stock Saw, Underhand Chop, Single Buck and Standing Block Chop.

There is still hope of gold for Australia in Lillehammer with former World Champion Brad de Losa in the singles competition tomorrow morning.

De Losa, from Lithgow in NSW, is among the favourites to bring the singles crown back Down Under.