Taylor Fast on Skis in Lillehammer

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard

December, 6 2015

LILLEHAMMER, Norway (Dec. 6, 2015) - Angered by a 42nd in ski jumping, Taylor Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) went out hard and set the fastest cross country time to finish 13th in a FIS Nordic Combined World Cup in Lillehammer. Norway's Magnus Krog took the win over World Cup leader Fabian Riessle of Germany. Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) finished 30th.

It was a tough day for the USA on the jump hill with Taylor Fletcher leading the USA in 42nd with an 88.0 meter ride, putting him a minute, 57 seconds back at the start. He closed the gap to within 33 seconds at the finish of the 10k, after dancing into the top 10 during the latter stages of the race.

"I actually had a really good jump and it should of gone farther but I didn't fly after the take off well at all," said Taylor Fletcher. "I was not pulling, causing me to lose speed and height and valuable meters. What was 88 meters really should of been past 90. That happens to everyone so I put it past me as I wasn't in a terrible position.

"I was a lot closer timewise to the front compared to yesterday, but also I skied a much more paced race! I once again had fantastic skis from Andrej and Mazi and Atomic which made my job a lot easier. I was really happy to have the fastest time by a fair amount but I am hungry for way more! I know my good jumps are good enough to put me in the fight for the win!"

While the World Cup takes a one week break, eyes will turn to a three-event Continental Cup at the Utah Olympic Park and Soldier Hollow in Utah.

"I am looking forward to going back to Park City for the Continental Cup to get more spots for World Cup," said Taylor Fletcher. "It will give me a chance to focus on my jumping on a more technical level but also put some pressure on myself to perform!"

HIGHLIGHTS

Taylor Fletcher led the USA in 13th, setting the fastest cross country time.
Norway's Magnus Krog took the win over World Cup leader Fabian Riessle.
Bryan Fletcher was 30th, Adam Loomis 43rd and Jasper Good 47th in his World Cup debut.
The tour now takes a one week break, with action shifting to a Continental Cup next weekend in Utah.

QUOTES
Taylor Fletcher
The jumping was our first normal competition all year and only our second competition jump. I actually had a really good jump and it should of gone farther but I didn't fly after the take off well at all! I was not pulling causing me to lose speed and height and valuable meters. What was 88 meters really should of been past 90. That happens to everyone so I put it past me as I wasn't in a terrible position.

I was a lot closer time wise to the front compared to yesterday, but also I skied a much more paced race! I once again had fantastic skis from Andrej and Mazi and Atomic which made my job a lot easier. I was really happy to have the fastest time by a fair amount but I am hungry for way more! I know my good jumps are good enough to put me in the fight for the win!

I am looking forward to going back to Park City for the Continental Cup to get more spots for World Cup. It will give me a chance to focus on my jumping on a more technical level but also put some pressure on myself to perform!

Dave Jarrett, Head Coach
It was tricky jumping this morning for sure. Bryan was unlucky as the conditions when he was set to go were too good and they took him off the bar twice. When he flinally got the green the conditions were significantly worse. He had a pretty good jump nontheless but the speed was set for headwind. Bryan was having a good race as well but fell on the third lap on a very icy course and lost quite a few places.

Taylor on the other hand, should have done more with his jump. He had a great race though and was close to the front but ran out of real estate.

RESULTS
Individual Gundersen 10k

Breakpoints

Taylor Fast on Skis in Lillehammer

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