January 08, 2011 (Schonach, Germany) – The U.S. Ski Team’s Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) posted a strong jump in ninth, but dropped back in the cross-country after breaking a pole to finish 31st and out of the points as the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup resumed in Schonach. Felix Gottwald came from nearly a minute back to win and lead an Austrian podium sweep on a wet and rainy day in Germany’s Black Forest.

France’s Olympic champion Jason Lamy Chappuis led in the jump but was unable to hold off the hard-charging Austrians. Gottwald, who came into the cross country with a 59 second deficit, quickly worked his way through the field and past his own teammates for the win. Mario Stecher was second and Bernhard Gruber, second in the jump, dropped to third.

It was a frustrating day for Fletcher after posting a strong jump. “We had really expected that Bryan would be able to hold his position in cross country,” said Nordic Combined Coach Chris Gilbertson.

Starting 55 seconds back in a very tightly packed field, Fletcher came out of the start and broke a basket on a pole within the first kilometer meters. Coaches were able to get a replacement to him, but Fletcher lost contact with the pack and was never able to regain his position.

“It was a learning experience for him,” said Gilbertson. “He just got frustrated with the situation. A big train caught him and passed him and he wasn’t able to hang onto them. He lost a lot of energy to that.”

Broken poles ran in the family Saturday as brother Taylor broke two during the race.

A four-man team event is on tap for Sunday. The USA will go out with Eric Camerota (Park City, UT), Brett Denney (Steamboat Springs, CO), Taylor Fletcher and Bryan Fletcher. Bryan is expected to anchor.

Results (brief)

1. Felix Gottwald, Austria (13, 2) 24:38.4
2. Mario Stecher, Austria (6, 11) +15.6 seconds
3. Bernhard Gruber, Austria (2, 20) +16.2
4. Jan Schmid, Norway (7, 10) +23.1
5. Akito Watabe, Japan (15, 9) +31.4

31. Bryan Fletcher, Steamboat Springs, CO (9, 46) +1:59.0
56. Taylor Fletcher, Steamboat Springs, CO (52, 49) +3:18.0
58. Brett Denney, Steamboat Springs, CO (67, 27) +3:45.4
60. Eric Camerota, Park City, UT (33, 65) +3:58.8