U.S. sets combined relay team

LIBEREC, Czech Republic (Feb. 25) - Eric Camerota (Park City, UT) will get the nod for the final spot of the U.S. Ski Team’s four-man nordic combined team event squad for Thursday’s medal event at the FIS Nordic Ski World Championships. Coach Dave Jarrett made the announcement after Wednesday’s final jump training before Thursday’s competition. Camerota will join Billy Demong (Vermontville, NY), Todd Lodwick and Johnny Spillane (both Steamboat Springs, CO) on a team that has an opportunity to challenge.

Eric Camerota, along with his twin brother Brett, had been in up against Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) for consideration for the final spot. Weather had made jump training challenging the last few days, but each athlete put in some long rides on the large hill in Liberec.

In Wednesday’s training, Eric Camerota went 116.0, 110.0 and 120.0 meters. Fletcher had jumps of  121.5, 107.0 and 111.0.

Demong actually had the long ride of the day at 131.0 meters, which is hopefully a good sign for Thursday. “Billy did jump well today and we are looking forward not only to tomrorrow but also on Saturday, especially if Billy can do that in the comp,” said Jarrett. “As far as the team event goes, we want to keep the momentum rolling. My philosophy on the team event is that in order to have a chance at a medal, our top guys have to be not only the best out our four guys but the also have to be one of the best in whole competition. The fourth guy needs to have a solid day but you can’t expect him to carry the team.”

The team event is one the big hill, with a single jump for each athlete followed by a 4x5K relay.

Jumping starts at 5:00 a.m. ET with the cross country final at 9:15 a.m. ET. Fans can follow the action at FIS Live Timing or catch highlights on UniversalSports.com presented by High Sierra.LIBEREC, Czech Republic (Feb. 25) - Eric Camerota (Park City, UT) will get the nod for the final spot of the U.S. Ski Team’s four-man nordic combined team event squad for Thursday’s medal event at the FIS Nordic Ski World Championships. Coach Dave Jarrett made the announcement after Wednesday’s final jump training before Thursday’s competition. Camerota will join Billy Demong (Vermontville, NY), Todd Lodwick and Johnny Spillane (both Steamboat Springs, CO) on a team that has an opportunity to challenge.

Eric Camerota, along with his twin brother Brett, had been in up against Bryan Fletcher (Steamboat Springs, CO) for consideration for the final spot. Weather had made jump training challenging the last few days, but each athlete put in some long rides on the large hill in Liberec.

In Wednesday’s training, Eric Camerota went 116.0, 110.0 and 120.0 meters. Fletcher had jumps of  121.5, 107.0 and 111.0.

Demong actually had the long ride of the day at 131.0 meters, which is hopefully a good sign for Thursday. “Billy did jump well today and we are looking forward not only to tomrorrow but also on Saturday, especially if Billy can do that in the comp,” said Jarrett. “As far as the team event goes, we want to keep the momentum rolling. My philosophy on the team event is that in order to have a chance at a medal, our top guys have to be not only the best out our four guys but the also have to be one of the best in whole competition. The fourth guy needs to have a solid day but you can’t expect him to carry the team.”

The team event is one the big hill, with a single jump for each athlete followed by a 4x5K relay.

Jumping starts at 5:00 a.m. ET with the cross country final at 9:15 a.m. ET. Fans can follow the action at FIS Live Timing or catch highlights on UniversalSports.com presented by High Sierra.