The World Cup Finale

The Ski Jumps in Trondheim, NOR

For the final week of World Cup competitions there were two different competitions in two different towns, both of which were in Norway. The first competition was held in Trondheim, NOR on a k125 meter hill. We were able to get some open training on the hill before the competition, It was extremely fun to get some training on another large hill. Like I mentioned before in order to actually compete in a World Cup one must qualify in the top 50 the day before in the qualification jump. I was given the opportunity to jump in the qualification in Trondheim. Unfortunately I did not have my best jump and missed qualifying by three spots. I was bummed to have missed the cut but excited that I got the opportunity to try my best to qualify! The next day was very fun to watch the Fletcher brothers and Adam Loomis compete as it is an extremely cool venue! Although they did not jump as well as they would have liked they were still close to points. Taylor skied from 44th position up to 14th place putting down the fastest time on the cross country course! Bryan skied from 41st up to 25th place coming off of a head cold. Adam had a solid day skiing from 45th up to 31st position oh so close to points. It was cool to watch those guys tearing up the course right on the side of the trail! 

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The skate stadium in Trondheim, NOR

The venue in Oslo, NOR

After the competition was over we then packed up the cargo van sent them on their way then got a ride to the airport and flew to Oslo, NOR. Growing up I had always dreamed about going to the ski complex in Oslo known as the Holmenkollen ski jump. When my teammates and I were young we would play a ski jumping game on the Holmenkollen jump. So in other words it was a dream come true even be at this legendary venue. The next day I got the opportunity to participate in the Official training and qualification jump on the Holmenkollen jump along with Ben Berend, and the Fletcher brothers. This qualification does not mean as much as most weekends, this is because it is only used if they are unable to get the competition off the next day due to weather conditions. The Finale for Nordic Combined was the next day which only the top 30 ranked skiers in the World can participate in. It is a two jump competition followed by a 15km race on a legendary cross country course. The next day they were able to hold the jumping competition meaning only the top 30 would be competing that day. Due to the fact that it is a two jump event the better jumpers in the field have an advantage as they usually start much farther ahead then they would in a normal competition. Taylor started the race in 27th position and Bryan started in 30th position. Taylor then skied up to 21st position and Bryan skied up to 29th place. Although it wasn't the best day for the Fletcher brothers It was extremely cool to watch this event and see how it all works. Along with the amazing venue there are more spectators at this event then any other event of the season. Directly after the Nordic Combined race Cross Country does a 50km race, and boy do the Norwegian fans come out to watch. Some fans showed up two days before set up their tents and started the party right on the side of the cross country course. Being at this competition was one of the coolest experiences of my life thus far and it is extremely motivating as I plan to be competing in that event as soon as possible! I am now in Steamboat recharging and getting some fun hikes up Mt. Werner and some sweet spring turns with Family & Friends! As always check back next week to see what I've been up to!

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The jump stadium in Oslo, NOR

The cross country stadium full of fans on race day in Oslo, NOR