Saint Paul has been on the international map this weekend as it hosted the 2012 opening race of the extreme sport of ice cross downhill. This also happened to be the US debut of the sport, and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. The Red Bull Crashed Ice races were held over the past three days on a course that started next to the majestic Cathedral of Saint Paul. The ice track (think of a bobsled course) travelled a quarter of a mile with jumps and hairpin turns all going downhill towards downtown. The competitors wore full pads, helmets, and hockey skates and were clocked up to 40 mph as they made their way to the finish line. It was a party atmosphere when I attended Friday night’s elimination rounds. The temperature was about 10 degrees with a wind chill near zero, requiring my warmest boots, hat, coat, and gloves. As all good Minnesotans don’t let cold and/or snow deter their fun, the crowds came out in the tens of thousands to watch the races. It’s high-speed and fascinating to watch, and certainly not for the faint of heart. The finals took place last night in front of a crowd of 80,000 fans. I won’t mention who won; instead you can watch the rebroadcast of the Saint Paul series by NBC on Saturday, January 21st at 1:00pm CST. Check it out, or go to the Red Bull Crashed Ice website to learn more.
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lindastaatsphoto.com 
Did the Ak creatures spread their crazy to this northland? Starting at the church is I think a bit ironic. At least they didn’t finish there..
The light and the slight of the participant makes it a terrific shot. Shadows are great of sturctures and spectators. Getting to be a good technician with light and that is what it is about, amongst other things.
What do you have left to document as a sports buff of unique event? Been to the ice sails on the lakes?
Guess we can’t blame AK..Being MN had the FIRST…….
Nice catch! the contrast of the staid Cathedral backdropping the exuberance of the color and form of the athlete. And as you say – not for the faint of heart (or maybe anyone with an adequately operational executive function).
This is a spectacular picture. As I was watching the rerun of the event I wondered if you were going to have any photos.
If this is going to be a card, I want to know where I can purchase them.
Thanks
Thanks Kathy. Yes this image is a card (as are all of the images on my blog). I’ll email you directly with the information about purchasing cards.