December 09, 2010 (Rovaniemi, Finland) – The celebrations continued well into the night in Rovaniemi, Finland on Tuesday as a group of Americans was celebrating: One of their own, Jessica Jerome, won the first COC competition of her career, after 15 third and three second place finishes. The Park City Nordic Ski Club jumper’s triumph was well deserved. Jerome had the longest jump in both rounds and clearly won ahead of Daniela Iraschko from Austria and Norwegian Line Jahr.

“I was able to show two good consistent jumps,” said Jerome afterwards but she didn’t want to look too far ahead. “I don’t have any main goals for the season – I just want to jump well and of course also take part in the World Championships in Oslo. I hope that we will have a fair competition there and have fun.”

Under snowfall, Iraschko commented on her second place after the first round in the final. “The jumps are getting better and better. Last year I was eleventh here so being on the podium is a success,” she said. The Ounasvaara HS 100 is not one of Iraschko’s favourite hills. “I’m looking forward to the competitions in Norway.”

Jahr was also pleased with her podium performance. “It’s nice to have a successful start to the season because you never know how good the others are,” she said. With a great second jump she was able capture the last spot on the podium ahead of World Champion Lindsey Van from the US. Sarah Hendrickson, another American jumper, placed 5th.

The Austrian star Iraschko won the second COC competition, winning by a large margin of 22 points. It was her 29th COC victory and 57th podium.

In the overall standing after two competitions, Jerome and Iraschko are tied for the lead with 180 points each. Ladies’ Ski Jumping Continental Cup will continue with two competitions in Vikersund, Norway this coming weekend.

A total of 40 athletes took part in the first COC competition of the 2010/11 season, and many only received their equipment during the trial round due to problems with transportation.

Full results HERE.

For more info, visit www.fisskijumping.com