Fletcher finishes career Best 14th

Nordic Combined

Mon, Aug  16, 2010 - By US Ski Team

OBERWIESENTHAL, Germany (Aug. 13) – The first of the two final nordic combined Grand Prix competitions of the summer was completed on Friday in Oberwiesenthal. Norway's Magnus-H. Moan took home the win, while Olympian Taylor Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) crossed the line with a career best finish in 14th and first for the U.S.

Moan captured the third of four Grand Prixs this summer, finishing with a time of 28:30.00. Germany's Johannes Rydzek found himself nine seconds behind Moan, ending the day in second. Eric Frenzel of Germany rounded out the podium.

Although he did not land on the podium, Taylor Fletcher proved he is a force to be reckoned with in the cross country portion. He crossed the finish line with the fastest cross country time sliding him into the top 15 in 14th, as well as career best finish.

"Things here have been very good for our team," said Taylor Fletcher. "I kept it going today, getting my career best of 14th place with the fastest time! The course suited me very well."

Unfortunately, Taylor Fletcher's brother and teammate Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) experienced a bit of bad luck, breaking a pole at a crucial part of the course. Struggling to recover and make up time, he glided over the line in 17th.

The U.S. Nordic Combined Team will compete again on Saturday with another chance for career bests, points and redemption. Saturday's competition marks the final Grand Prix of the summer.

"We are psyched," said U.S. Nordic Combined Head Coach Dave Jarrett. "We are ready for one more event tomorrow and look to continue getting our next generation moving up in the world!"

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Grand Prix
Oberwiesenthal, Germany – August 13, 2010
Nordic Combined

1. Magnus-H. Moan, Norway, 28:30.00
2. Johannes Rydzek, Germany, 28:39.20
3. Eric Frenzel, Germany, 28:42.20
4. Miroslav Dvorak, Czech Republic, 28:57.70
5. Mikko Kokslien, Norway, 29:07.50
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14. Taylor Fletcher, Steamboat Springs, CO, 29:54.70
17. Bryan Fletcher, Steamboat Springs, CO, 30:06.60
38. Nick Hendrickson, Park City, UT, 31:42.10
DNF: Brett Camerota (Park City, UT)