November 29, 2014 (West Yellowstone, Montana) – Canada’s Alysson Marshall (AWCA-NST) and teammate Heidi Widmer went 1-2 in the season opener USSA SuperTour women’s 1.5km FR Sprints yesterday in West Yellowstone, Montana and we caught up with Marshall for her take on the races and her victory – results here.

Alysson Marshall at Frozen Thunder © Angus Cockney

How were conditions and the course in WY ?
Alysson Marshall: The conditions today were pretty good, the course was hard-packed but there were some dirty sections.

Talk about your quarter and semi finals – were they close ?
AM: I was slow getting going in the heats, I had a lunge for 2nd place in my quarter final and a lunge for 3rd place in my semi-final! Luckily I made it through to the final.

Were you nervous for the final ?
AM: By the time the final came around after all the timing delays I was ready for lunch and a nap! I managed to keep my body moving and warm in between the heats but I honestly didn’t have high expectations given how my previous heats had gone. I was happy that I had the legs to fight into the finish.

Describe the final and how it felt to share the podium with your teammate Hiedi Widmer?
AM: I learned from my mistakes in the first two rounds and found some extra energy to accelerate over the top of the last climb and was able to use that momentum to pass Chelsea [Holmes]. It came down to a lunge between Heidi and I at the finish. I was pumped to share the top spots with her! She was really strong all day and it is a nice confidence booster for our team.

Is this your biggest career win ?
AM: This was a nice win for me but I’ve had some NorAm wins that qualified me for World Cup trips which I think were more important in the big picture.

Are you racing on Sat in the 10km FR – what’s next after WY ?
AM: I am planning to race tomorrow and in Bozeman – then we’ll head back to Canada for our December NorAms.

All the best this season
AM: Thanks