LAHTI, Finland (March 7) – Billy Demong made it two podiums for the weekend, finishing third Saturday in a nordic combined World Cup in Finland.
Demong jumped fourth to get things going, but a fast paced start may have kept the World Champion from hitting the top of the podium Saturday.
“I had another really good day on the jump hill. I felt pretty good physically and I thought it was going to be a little bit easier, but I made the mistake of going out a little too hard and struggled in the second half of the race,” Demong said.
Demong led the way for U.S. results with Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) finishing 35th and Johnny Spillane 40th.
According to Demong, fatigue set in near the very end of the course where he was out-paced by winner Magnus Moan of Norway and Anssi Koivuranta of Finland who took second.
“I just went dead trying to stay the last lap and a half. It wasn’t as good a tactical race as it was yesterday, but I’m still happy with third place,” Demong said.
Nordic Combined Head Coach Dave Jarrett was also happy to have Demong, who currently remains third in the World Cup overall standings, on the podium regardless of the place.
“It was a good race. Billy jumped really well again. I feel like he opened the race a little bit too fast, but it was an exciting finish for sure,” Jarrett said. “Third is third. You don’t want to get greedy and have to win every competition. So, we’re happy with third and ready to move forward to Vikersund and the competitions out there.”
The Team is now focused on the final stop of the nordic combined World Cup season, which takes place March 14-15 in Vikersund, Norway.
“I have a good feeling and I’m hoping to keep it rolling. I’ve been a little bit tired on the cross country course, but I’m hoping to turn that around a little next weekend by resting more,” Demong said. “I’m psyched. I’m definitely in a good fight now for third overall and it looks good right now. I’m just hoping to keep the hammer down through the end.”
Source: USSA
