Canadian Kyle Croxall made the final Red Bull Crashed Ice head-to-head race with Martin Niefnecker from Germany particularly exciting, and won the event.
The Croxall brothers, Kyle and Scott, had been shooting stars all last weekend. Ice hockey for the Croxalls is something of a family tradition, with their father an ice-hockey coach who passed on his passion to his sons. Zeynep Dönmez spoke with 21-year-old Kyle about being top dog in the western hemisphere.
Have you ever been to a Red Bull Crashed Ice championship?
Yes, it's my third time. I achieved third place in Quebec and seventh place in the Czech Republic. I first heard about Red Bull Crashed Ice over the internet four years ago at a time when I wanted to try a new sport.
In normal life, you're a firefighter for the Canadian Forces and have little to do with ice. What is so fascinating about Red Bull Crashed Ice?
I love Ice Cross Downhill and the Red Bull Crashed Ice events. The sport is fast and has style, and I like to have a big audience. I think the idea is simply brilliant – four athletes skating down a track without knowing what can happen.
What was different at this, the first World Cup of Red Bull Crashed Ice?
The mood was insane. The track was much faster and the audience were incredible.
How did you prepare for the event?
I was in the gym every day and I played a lot of ice hockey.
Compared to previous years', how did you like this year's track?
The track was great. The start was the fastest place. The biggest challenge was the sharp curve, where most of the athletes fell.
Did you expect the victory?
I was nervous the whole time. Everyone wants to win, but I didn't expect it. Now, I can be proud of myself – and my brother, of course.
Which skills, do you think, led to the victory?
I am very fast and stable on skates, I have enough self-confidence and, of course, I was lucky.
Will you run again next year?
Yes, definitely. I want to be better and be World Champion.
How does it feel to race against your brother?
It's a little bit strange. Last year it was the same. On the course, we only go for the win. But when there's the possibility of a crash with my brother, of course, I am more cautious.
Did you have a bet on who would perform better?
No! We were both too busy with trying to give our best. And I'm glad that it worked so well. Our parents are proud of us.
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