Fletcher Fastest in Chaikovski Combined
CHAIKOVSKI, Russia (Jan. 4) – Taylor Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) posted the fastest time of the day Saturday, skiing an incredible 38 seconds faster than any other athlete and finishing sixth in the Chaikovski FIS Nordic Combined World Cup. Fletcher rocketed into the top ten despite the sub-zero temperatures and after a disappointing jump result put him over three minutes back in 49th for the 10k race. Swiss skier Tim Hug took the victory. Athletes take on the large hill on Sunday for a second nordic combined in Chaikovski, Russia.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Taylor Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) posted the fastest time of the day Saturday, skiing an incredible 38 seconds faster than any other athlete and finishing sixth in the Chaikovski FIS Nordic Combined World Cup.
- Fletcher rocketed into the top ten despite the sub-zero temperatures and after a disappointing jump result put him over three minutes back in 49th (second-to-last) for the 10k race.
- Brett Denney (Steamboat Springs, CO) finished 32nd and was the only other American to qualify for Saturday’s event, while Swiss skier Tim Hug earned his first career World Cup victory.
- Athletes take on the large hill on Sunday for a second nordic combined in Chaikovski, Russia.
QUOTES
Taylor Fletcher
Today was a great day that showed me to never give up. I am looking forward to a better jump closer to the front so I can ski the same race and not get stuck in traffic as much and have a shot at the podium. I am excited for the next weeks, as this was a great feeling and there’s more to come!
I had good prep after the last period and felt great. Then I got a nasty cold traveling to Russia and felt under the weather all week, but with that I got some more rest and felt great this morning. I woke up ready and had a great trial but maybe tried a little hard in comp and things weren't on the same page for me. I had one of the days where I didn't want to race because of my jump, but I hate not racing more than anything.
At the start of the race I went out super hard to catch as many people on the first lap and I thought I was doomed because of my pace. It wasn't until the last 1k that I really felt the effects.
Dave Jarrett
It was an awesome race today from Taylor. Just goes to go show you that it is not over after jumping. I was hoping Brett would get in for some World Cup points today, but 32 is a good step for him. Big hill tomorrow and a new opportunity.
RESULTS
Official Results