SAPPORO, Japan (Jan. 23, 2015) - Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) soared to his best jump of the season, putting him into contention for the win before ending up ninth in a FIS Nordic Combined World Cup in Sapporo Friday. Germany's Eric Frenzel took the win over Norway's Jan Schmid in an intense battle that saw a full field sprint for the third spot.
Fletcher scored an impressive eighth in jumping, 57 seconds the leader. He quickly took advantage, moving up through the field to join the lead pack in the first four kilometers. Fletcher took over the lead after the halfway mark and stayed there for several kilometers. He was holding onto third with just a kilometer to go, before dropping back in an intense sprint to the finish.
"Today was an opportunity to go for it," said Fletcher. "I jumped well and skied my race well, laying it all on the line. Unfortunately it just didn't work out. I blew up with just about one kilometer to go. I led most of the race and ultimately that was what cost me the podium. With the strong chasers coming from the back someone had to be the work horse."
It was his fifth top-10 of the season.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Bryan Fletcher soared 126.5 meters to take eighth in jumping, setting himself up for a strong finish. After leading for several kilometers, he finished ninth.
- All three U.S. skiers were in the points including Taylor Fletcher in 22nd and Adam Loomis 28th.
- The FIS Nordic Combined World Cup continues Saturday in Sapporo.
QUOTES
Bryan Fletcher
Today was an opportunity to go for it. I jumped well and skied my race well, laying it all on the line. Unfortunately it just didn't work out. I blew up with just about one kilometer to go. I led most of the race and ultimately that was what cost me the podium. With the strong chasers coming from the back someone had to be the work horse. I gave it all I had. Tomorrow will hopefully be another opportunity and I will use the experience gained.
RESULTS
Official Results
