December 13, 2007 (Notodden, Norway) – A lighter, more fit Lindsey Van (Park City, UT), reversing summer frustrations, was second Wednesday night for the second time in 24 hours in a women’s ski jumping Continental Cup meet. “I get more motivated in winter,” she said, also crediting a new physical training regimen for her success.

Defending champion Anette Sagen of Norway won both meets in Notodden with Van second each time. Jessica Jerome (Park City, UT) had a top-10 result each night.

Tuesday night, the women’s schedule resumed after a break since two meets over Labor Day weekend in Park City, UT. On Notodden’s 100-meter hill, Sagen had jumps of 98.5 and 99 meters for 256.5 points. Van jumped 95 and 95.5m for 250.5 points and Jerome was ninth with jumps of 86.5 and 87.5m (208.5). Temperatures were in the low 20s.

Wednesday night, Sagen jumped 100.5 and 88.4 meters for 259.5 points. Van, again second in each round, jumped 97.5 and 92 meters (248.0). Jerome was eighth, compiling 210.5 points with jumps of 88 and 86.5 meters in the 15-degree weather.

The group worked out in Lillehammer, the 1994 Olympic site, for a few days before coming to Notodden and training Monday. “It’s just completely different for me in winter. I get more motivated in winter than in summer. I’m more confident on snow than on plastic, for one thing,” Van said.

Since the Labor Day meets at Utah Olympic Park, the women have trained with first-year Coach Kjell Ivar Magnusson. “He’s a great coach and our physical training has been a lot different this year, an entirely different regimen. That took a toll, I think, because we weren’t used to it, but now we’re settling in,” Van said. “I lost a lot of muscle mass in my legs and waist and that’s a definite plus for me.

“It’s definitely a relief to get back on the podium. I was only a point and a half back after the first round but I messed up on the second jump, so I’m happy with being second,” Van said. “It was really cold and an icy track, but the hill was awesome and there was no wind, so it was a fair comp for everyone.”

The next scheduled women’s Continental Cup – the highest level of international jumping for them – was to have been in Lahti, Finland. However, warm temperatures and rain washed away snow cover in Lahti and the competition was canceled. The U.S. women will return to Lillehammer for training through the weekend and then return home.

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