This past weekend, USA Nordic athletes competed on the World Cup in three different disciplines. In each discipline, there was an outstanding performer.
Kevin Bickner jumped to 18th place on Saturday. Then Bickner had a very eventful Sunday. On Sunday Bickner jumped to 2nd place in qualification, an outstanding accomplishment. He then followed it up with a jump of 129 meters putting him in 9th place after the first round. Click here to watch his jump. Unfortunately, Bickner couldn’t keep pace on his second round jump. “I am a bit disappointed with the end result but I know I can hold my own,” says Bickner. He finished the day in 26th place but walked away with the confidence of a jumper who knows he can contend. “It’s just a matter of consistency… I plan on being in the top 10 a lot this winter,” says a very confident Bickner.
Nita Englund started the World Cup season with a top 30 finish on Saturday. “I was fighting some nerves on Friday so it was nice to feel normal on Saturday,” says Englund. She is looking forward to more chances next weekend in Titisee-Neustadt, Germany- where the ladies will have two competitions on the large hill.
Taylor Fletcher started the World Cup season with a massive 97 meter jump. Fletcher significantly tilted his training in favor of ski jumping this season and it seems to be paying off. “The jumping is coming along nicely, now I just need to put some work in for cross country.” Fletcher finished the race with a solid 26th place finish.
The athletes not on the World Cup started their season in Steamboat Springs last weekend for the annual Winter Start competition. Results can be found here. This was great preparation for the fast-approaching Continental Cups and FIS Cups coming to Steamboat Springs and Park City this month.
What is Next
The men’s and ladies ski jumping World Cup heads to Titisee-Neustadt where they will both be competing on the large hill.
Nordic combined has a weekend break before kicking off the Continental Cup season in Steamboat Springs Colorado.
