Kuusamo, Finland – Bryan Fletcher, of Steamboat Springs, Colo., had a strong jump to open the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup in Kuusamo on Saturday, finishing 14th overall behind winner Jason Lamy Chappuis of France.
Fletcher jumped to 11th and was in contention with the lead group in cross country before falling back on the final climb.
“Today was a solid day. I was more concerned about my cross country race today than my jumping,” he said. “I was able to hang tough but just didn’t quite have the legs for the final attack into the finish. I feel confident they will come in the next few weeks. I still feel my shape is just starting to ramp up.”
“Bryan had a good day, he was close to the podium group in cross country with Jason (Lamy Chappuis) just off the front. The last climb up into the stadium was too much at the end for Bryan but all in all it was a good day,” added U.S. Ski Team Nordic Combined Head Coach Dave Jarrett.
Bryan’s brother Taylor Fletcher was disqualified for a jumping suit violation.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
FIS Nordic Combined World Cup
Kuusamo, Finland – Dec. 1, 2012
Men’s Gundersen LH HS142/10.0 K
| Rank | Bib | Name | Year | Nation | Result |
| 1 | 1 | LAMY CHAPPUIS Jason | 1986 | FRA | 26:49.5 |
| 2 | 13 | KROG Magnus | 1987 | NOR | 27:02.5 |
| 3 | 16 | LACROIX Sebastien | 1983 | FRA | 27:02.7 |
| 4 | 15 | FRENZEL Eric | 1988 | GER | 27:03.2 |
| 5 | 9 | STECHER Mario | 1977 | AUT | 27:04.4 |
| 6 | 8 | DVORAK Miroslav | 1987 | CZE | 27:05.4 |
| 7 | 14 | SCHMID Jan | 1983 | NOR | 27:05.8 |
| 8 | 5 | GRUBER Bernhard | 1982 | AUT | 27:06.2 |
| 9 | 17 | WATABE Akito | 1988 | JPN | 27:06.4 |
| 10 | 2 | JELENKO Marjan | 1991 | SLO | 27:06.9 |