Oberwiesenthal, Germany – The first of the two final nordic combined Grand Prix skiing competitions of the summer was completed on Friday in Oberwiesenthal. Norway’s Magnus-H. Moan took home the win, while American Olympian Taylor Fletcher, of Steamboat Springs, Colo., crossed the line with a career best finish in 14th and first for the U.S.nMoan captured the third of four Grand Prixs this summer, finishing with a time of 28:30.00. Germany’s Johannes Rydzek found himself nine seconds behind Moan, ending the day in second. Eric Frenzel of Germany rounded out the podium.

Although he did not land on the podium, Taylor Fletcher proved he is a force to be reckoned with in the cross country portion. He crossed the finish line with the fastest cross country time sliding him into the top 15 in 14th, as well as career best finish.

Unfortunately, Taylor Fletcher’s brother and teammate Bryan Fletcher, also of Steamboat Springs, experienced a bit of bad luck, breaking a pole at a crucial part of the course. Struggling to recover and make up time, he glided over the line in 17th.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Grand Prix
Oberwiesenthal, Germany – August 13, 2010
Nordic Combined

1. Magnus-H. Moan, Norway, 28:30.00
2. Johannes Rydzek, Germany, 28:39.20
3. Eric Frenzel, Germany, 28:42.20
4. Miroslav Dvorak, Czech Republic, 28:57.70
5. Mikko Kokslien, Norway, 29:07.50