Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Todd Lodwick added another top 10 to his list of accomplishments.

Lodwick took sixth Sunday at the Lahti Ski Games in Finland.

Once again, Lodwick struggled in his one attempt on the jump hill in the sprint event, and he opened the 7.5-kilometer cross-country race in 17th place.

But he made a run at the podium by posting the fourth-fastest cross-country time. He finished just 36.6 seconds behind winner Bjorn Kircheisen of Germany.

Norway's Peter Tande was second, Germany's Georg Hettich was third, and France's Jason Lamy Chapulas was fourth. American Bill Demong placed 21st, and Johnny Spillane was 23rd.

The event was the second of the week in Lahti and the first since the Winter Olympic Games in Italy last month.

The American team was at a disadvantage after having its equipment stolen from a storage locker at the Winter Games.

The team has been forced to adjust to new equipment during the past few weeks.

On Saturday, Magnus Moan of Norway ended World Cup champion Hannu Manninen's seven-meet victory streak during a traditional Gundersen style event, in which ski jumpers compete in a two-jump competition. Finishes in that portion were used to handicap a 15-kilometer cross-country race.

In the shorter sprint event, the athletes get one jump, which is used to handicap a 7.5-kilometer cross-country race.

Demong was the top Amer--ican finisher in Saturday's race, placing 17th. Lodwick was 23rd.

Finland's Manninen, who has won 11 meets this season including seven before the Olympic Games, did not start either of the races in Finland.

The skiers will now move to Oslo, Norway, for the Holmenkollen Ski Festival this weekend.

-- To reach John F. Russell, call 871-4209 or e-mail jrussell@steamboatpilot.com