Taylor Moves Up in Grand Prix Finale

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard

September, 6 2015

OBERSTDORF, Germany (Sept. 5, 2015) - The FIS Nordic Combined Grand Prix wrapped up Saturday in Oberstdorf, with Taylor Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) skiing up to 13th. Germany dominated the day, and the tour, with Fabian Riessle getting the over teammate Johannes Rydzek, who took the Grand Prix title. Akito Watabe broke up a German sweep taking third. Taylor Fletcher ended up 18th in the overall. Brother Bryan, who finished 23rd Saturday, finished 24th in the Grand Prix.

“Today was a solid day,” said Taylor Fletcher. “The jumping was much better in the competition and I was able to put in my best jump of the trip. The conditions were changing around a lot during the comp and I was very happy to put my best jump after they moved three gates.”

Taylor jumped to 29th, starting 1:41 behind the leader. He ended up 45.3 seconds behind Riessle in the roller ski final.

“In the roller ski race it was a little harder as I had a good gap in front of me to the next group and I wanted to try and bridge up to them quickly so I wasn't stuck in no mans land,” he added. “I caught them on third lap and was able to rest a bit and then push the pace again. Going into the finish I got blocked pretty bag which was pretty annoying as I had good legs still and wanted to really dig deep to finish strong but I couldn't move up through the group, but hey that is racing.”

Brother Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) ended up 23rd with Adam Loomis (Eau Claire, WI) 38th and Jasper Good (Steamboat Springs, CO) 40th.

"Solid day for all," said Head Coach Dave Jarrett. "Our jumping was better but so was the rest of the field. Taylor had a great race and was close to eighth but got boxed out on the last hill to the finish. Bryan was just a bit too far back after jumping but did a good job moving up the field. Adam and Jasper both raced well but we know we have some work to do before the season start."

“All in all its nice to be able to come over Europe as the atmosphere is amazing during these comps but also gives us a good chance to see other athletes,” said Taylor. “I look forward to building on this with the team in park city. We got a good feel for where we are lacking and where we are strong. We also got a good feel for the new testing protocols for jumping and new rules and regulations.”

The team will now return to its training base at the Utah Olympic Park and Soldier Hollow.

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Taylor Moves Up in Grand Prix Finale

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