Big Jump in XC for Fletcher

RUKA, Finland (Nov. 29) - Olympian Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) made up for a disappointing jump to boost himself from 32nd up to 17th in the opening FIS Nordic Combined World Cup in Finland. High winds in Ruka prevented a competition jump Saturday, so officials reverted to Friday's provisional round. Germany's Johannes Rydzek took the win. Competition continues on Sunday.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) posted a strong cross country leg to move from 32nd to 17th in the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup opener in Ruka.
• High winds Saturday canceled the jumping round, with officials reverting to Friday's provisional jump.
• Fletcher posted the sixth fastest cross country time. Brother Taylor Fletcher moved up from 59th to 36th with the second fastest cross country leg.
• The World Cup tour resumes Sunday with a team sprint.

QUOTES
Bryan Fletcher
The race was great today. I am really happy with my start to the season on cross country. I took a conservative approach out on the course and started controlled but hard. I kept the pace up since the group I was pulling was always in between groups and the only way we could move up was by doing the work. The plan worked and I was able to move up quite a bit, I am looking forward to more opportunities to improve! I am looking forward to an opportunity to improve on the jumping tomorrow.  And hoping to race the same tomorrow.  

Dave Jarrett, Head Coach
Definitely a good race for Bryan and Tay. Wish we could have had some points from Tay but we have more opportunities. Bryan has not hit his stride on the hill yet and we are looking for some good jumping with the shape he is in.  Best World Cup finish for Adam (Loomis) in a strong field - 17th fastest time has got to be his best as well.

RESULTS
Official Results