December 10, 2011 (Davos, Switzerland) – American Holly Brooks scored a career-best 13th in the women’s 15km freestlye race in Davos, Switzerland on Saturday continuing the US women’s string of solid results on the World Cup circuit. Brooks was 2:22 off the pace of winner Marit Bjoergen from Norway, as the overall World Cup leader lead a Norwegian sweep with teammates, Vibeke Skofterud in 2nd and Therese Johaug in 3rd, joining her on the podium.

Brooks was running as high as 7th through the first half of the race but couldn’t quite hold the pace in the second half. Teammate Liz Stephen finished in 21st. Kikkan Randall started out strong but eventually faded slightly to finish in 27th place. Sadie Bjornsen ended up in 53rd.

“I’m thrilled with Holly Brooks’ 13th place finish and overall start to her season,” Matt Whitcomb, US Women’s Coach, told SkiTrax after today’s race. “She’s now showing that top-15 is her standard, and with that comes a clear lens into the top-10. She will soon be a candidate for the Distance Red Group.”

“Holly is clearly skiing confidently these days,” Whitcomb continued, “as she raced in the 7-8th position for her first lap, giving away 5 spots on the final lap. Rather than criticize her pacing, I’ll give her kudos for taking a chance out there.”

The extent of Norway’s grip on women’s distance skiing goes deeper still, however, as the country placed a total of 6 in the top 10, including Marthe Kristoffersen in 4th. Only Justyna Kowalczyk of Poland prevented a Norwegian sweep of the top 6 by finishing in 5th. Perennial distance contender Charlotte Kalla of Sweden had an off day, finishing 2:28 behind Bjoergen for 14th place.

Commenting on Stephen’s and Randall’s top 30 finishes, Whitcomb added: “For Liz and Kikkan who finished 21st and 27th, today is by no means a loss. Three in the World Cup top-30 is where we now are. But with rising standards comes rising expectations, and I don’t think either of these girls will say they brought their best stuff today. As a team it was a good day, and my hat is off to Holly for leading the charge.”

Women’s 15km FR results HERE.