April 10, 2015 (Khanty-Mansiysk, Siberia) – The USA’s Holly Brooks is on the verge of making history in a BIG way in Khanty-Mansiysk, Siberia, as she’s the women’s race series leader coming into the final round of the 2015 FIS Marathon Cup, the Ugra Ski Marathon. No North American has ever finished on the final series podium and according to Brooks she’s “guaranteed at least 3rd place but I’m aiming for first.” – see FIS Marathon Cup Hall of Fame winners chart here.

This is Brooks’ first year on the Marathon circuit and she’s stormed on to the scene with wins at the American Birkie (USA) and Dolomitenlauf (AUT), a second place at La Sgambeda (ITA) and at La Transjurassienne (FRA), a 4th place at Bieg Piastow (POL) and 5th at the Engadin Skimarathon (SUI).

On the women’s side, it’s super tight: Brooks (USA) is currently leading with 455 points ahead of Tatjana Mannima (EST, 451 points) and Aurelie Dabudyk (FRA, 404 points). On the men’s side, Petr Novak (CZE) is currently leading with 406 points with Benoit Chauvet (FRA, 347 points) in second and Sergio Bonaldi (ITA; 229 points) in third. The full current standings can be found here. We caught with Brooks for a pre-race interview and to wish her luck this weekend.

Great to see you leading the women’s series at the FIS Marathon Cup – how are conditions in Khanty-Mansiysk, Siberia (Russia)?
Holly Brooks: In theory you might think that Siberia would be cold but it’s just the opposite – it’s above zero and we’ll have true spring conditions for Saturday’s race. It’s two laps of 25k so the second lap in particular could be deep mush!

Is this your first time at Khanty-Mansiisk one of the top Biathlon World Cup race sites – tell us about the venue?
HB: This is my fourth trip to Russia but my first trip to Khanty Mansysik.  We are actually a different venue than the biathlon competitions.  The race track is literally 300 meters from the hotel so that’s nice. The course, however is extremely flat – think the “Siberian Plateau!” This late in the season the course profile is actually appealing…. but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. While there is a lack of climbing, there is also no rest. You’ll have to work the entire 50k!

This is your first year competing on the FIS Marathon Cup circuit – are you surprised to be leading at the final round?
HB: In the planning phase I honestly had no idea where the competition would stack up.  Last year Riitta-Liisa Roponen (FIN) won the cup and on a good day I think she’s one of the better female skaters in the world. Initially my goal was to finish on the podium but after wearing the red leader’s bib for much of the season my goal has changed to win the overall series.  There has never been a North American, male or female to finish in the top three in the overall so I’d be psyched to bring the FIS Marathon cup home to North America!

What’s your strategy this weekend?
HB: I My strategy for this weekend is simply to “empty the tank” with everything I’ve got. This late in the season anything can happen – the level of fatigue is high for everyone. Personally I’ve been on the road for the last four months and have raced 9 marathons. There is nothing to “save” for and the crystal globe is on the line! The current 2nd and 3rd place girls are well within striking distance of me and tomorrow promises to be an exciting race! I’m hoping for fast skis, no broken poles and a body that wants to cooperate with my mind!

All the best – we’re rooting for you.
HB: Thanks

Read more about Holly Brooks here or on Twitter.