Crashed Ice racing crushes winter cold

Dave McColl

Canadians placed very well in the 2017 Ice Cross Downhill World Championship final race of the season held on March 3 and 4 at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. In spite of bitter cold, and no admission fee, 15,000 spectators braved the harsh weather on Saturday evening to witness a truly unique event.  Men and women competed in groups of four to race down a perfectly groomed ice surface, where first past the finish line wins.  The freestyle event added to the spectacle where individual skaters race down the course adding spins and flips.  Judges decide the freestyle winner by scoring each racer’s performance.