Seefeld Triple Opens in Austria

SEEFELD, Austria (Jan. 29, 2016) - The three-stage Seefeld Triple opened in Austria Friday, with Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) leading the way for the USA in 20th. Germany’s Eric Frenzel picked up the win over Japan’s Akito Watabe, with World Cup leader Fabian Riessle third.

 

Fletcher came from behind, jumping to 34th and moving up with the third fastest cross country time.

 

“Today was a solid day for me,” said Fletcher. “I was very surprised with my performance after coming down with a really odd sickness yesterday during the qualifying rounds. So the race was great considering that yesterday I wasn't sure I would make it through the weekend.”

 

American Ben Berend (Steamboat Springs, CO) finished one spot ahead in the jump, 33rd, but the USA continued to struggle with its jumping. 

 

“The hard work continues though,” he added. “I still need a few more meters on the jump hill. And with the triple you need three consecutive good performances to come out on top. I hope to make gains each day as the comp progresses. The goal will be to keep the cross country fast while building on my jumping throughout the weekend. The format is really fun and it's awesome to have all the Americans in for the second day of competition. Hopefully we can do it again tomorrow!”

 

The three stage format provides a new look at nordic combined. Opening day featured a single jump and a 5k cross country race - half the normal distance. Saturday’s competition will showcase a traditional one jump and 10k race, with Sunday’s finale a two jump, 10k wrap-up.