January 04, 2014 (Chaikovskiy, Russia) – Despite cold conditions in Chaikovski, Russia, Taylor Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) posted the fastest time of the day on Saturday, skiing an incredible 38 seconds faster than any other athlete to finish sixth in the Nordic Combined Individual Gundersen competition. Fletcher rocketed into the top ten despite the sub-zero temperatures after a disappointing jump result put him over three minutes back in 49th for the 10km race.

“Today was a great day that showed me to never give up. I am looking forward to a better jump closer to the front so I can ski the same race and not get stuck in traffic as much and have a shot at the podium. I am excited for the next weeks, as this was a great feeling and there’s more to come,” said Fletcher.

Tim Hug from Switzerland. claimed his first ever World Cup win crossing the finish line 5.7 seconds ahead of Germany’s Björn Kircheisen. Miroslav Dvorak from the Czech Republic also made the jump onto the podium finishing 8.3 seconds behind Hug.

Local Russian hero Evgeniy Klimov ruled the jumping with the longest distance of the day to claim the lead with 136.7 points and a 26-second head start on Wilhelm Denifl from Austria. Strong Norwegian jumper Thomas Kjelbotn claimed third as Hug set himself up for his victory with a tenth place jump.

Fletcher was ready for today saying, “I had good prep after the last period and felt great. Then I got a nasty cold traveling to Russia and felt under the weather all week, but with that I got some more rest and felt great this morning. I woke up ready and had a great trial but maybe tried a little hard in comp and things weren’t on the same page for me. I had one of the days where I didn’t want to race because of my jump, but I hate not racing more than anything.

“At the start of the race I went out super hard to catch as many people on the first lap and I thought I was doomed because of my pace. It wasn’t until the last 1k that I really felt the effects,” he added.

US Nordic Combined Head Coach Dave Jarrett was pleased with Fletcher’s effort. “It was an awesome race today from Taylor. Just goes to go show you that it is not over after jumping. I was hoping Brett would get in for some World Cup points today, but 32 is a good step for him. Big hill tomorrow and a new opportunity.”

Brett Denney (Steamboat Springs, CO) finished 32nd and was the only other American to qualify for Saturday’s event. Athletes take on the large hill on Sunday for a second nordic combined in Chaikovski, Russia.

Official Results here.
Overall Standings here.