Red Bull Crashed Ice skates into the capital this weekend

By Amy Yee

The fanfare of Canada 150 continues this weekend with the Red Bull Crashed Ice sporting event taking place in downtown Ottawa from March 3-4.

The competition features the sport of downhill ice cross, a skating event that has competitors racing through steep turns and vertical drops to reach the finish line.

The high-intensity sport has athletes reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h. The races started in 2001 and have taken place in various cities around the world. Previous hosts have included Switzerland, the United States and Russia.

Quebec City has also hosted the competition in previous years.

More than 150 people have come to the city to work on setting up the track and the audiovisual components. Among the workers are carpenters, crane operators and refrigeration technicians.

The Canadian hopeful for the competition is Mississauga-born Kyle Croxall, currently ranked 4th in the world. He placed 1st in the 2012 championships. This will be his 10th time competing.

Spectators can watch the event from key points such as Major’s Hill Park, the Wellington Street bridge and the Byward Market.

Due to the event, York Street, Wellington Street and a portion of Elgin Street will be closed at various times throughout the weekend.