December 06, 2010 (Lillehammer, Norway) – Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) was in the points for the second time this season, leading the USA in 26th at a FIS Nordic Combined World Cup in Lillehammer. World Cup leader continued his strong start, moving up over Saturday’s winner Mikko Kokslien of Norway for the victory.

Austria’s Mario Stecher held off a hard-charging teammate Felix Gottwald for third. Billy Demong (Vermontville, NY) was the next American in 38th.

Fletcher put himself in position with a 125.0 meter jump, starting 1:28 behind Lamy-Chappuis in cross country after the Olympic champion soared 137 meters to take the jump lead.

“It was a little bit better but definitely not up to our expectations,” said Nordic Combined Coach Chris Gilbertson. “Bryan jumped OK, Billy jumped better, but not where we expect him to be.

As far as the cross country race, we thought we would be skiing faster and we’re still trying to figure it out. We thought coming out of the final camp in Park City we would be faster. It’s definitely a little frustrating.”

The World Cup circuit now heads to Central Europe with a pair of events next weekend in Ramsau. Demong will take a planned break, returning to the USA to compete in the Continental Cup events in Utah.

Full results HERE.

Results (brief)

1. Jason Lamy-Chappuis, France, (1/33) 24:35.5
2. Mikko Kokslien, Norway, (20/5) +9.7 seconds
3. Mario Stecher, Austria, (10/12) +9.8
4. Felix Gottwald, Austria, (36/1) +11.2
5. Seppi Hurschler, Switzerland, (26/3) +12.7

26. Bryan Fletcher, Steamboat Springs, CO, (22/28) +1.16.0
38. Billy Demong, Vermontville, NY, (42/27) 1:58.5
48. Taylor Fletcher, Steamboat Springs, CO, (55/30) +3:08.2

DNF – Brett Camerota, Park City, UT