Kyle Croxall was the champion at the Red Bull Crashed Ice competition that was hosted in St. Paul, Minnesota on January 26, 2013. Croxall attacked the downhill courses that were dotted with chicanes, jumps and rollers at track speeds up to 60 kph and came out on top. This makes him the winner of the first two races of the 2012-2013 season. I was able to get a glimpse of what Kyle Croxall is all about and how he came to be involved with Red Bull Crashed Ice.
Action Sports Examiner: What is it that initially got you into hockey?
Kyle Croxall: My parents put me into hockey at a very young age. I was on the ice at 2 years old in the back yard where my dad built us a rink when we were young.
Examiner: When did you decide you wanted to compete in the Red Bull Crashed Ice competition?
KC: The first time I saw it on TV, I researched it right away and tried out the next year where I came 2nd at the try outs and went on to my first race in Quebec City.
Examiner: You've got to be pretty psyched that you won while in St. Paul. What was running through your head (besides wanting to win) once you started down the course during the final run?
KC: The only thing on my mind was getting out of that gate first and trying to win. Being on the podium is a great feeling especially when you are on the top.
Examiner: What do you do for training? Explain a day of what you go through when you train.
KC: I try to get on the ice as much as possible. On a normal day I train with weights as well as cardio style training like cross fit with my own style.
Examiner: What did you have to go through in order to qualify for Red Bull Crashed Ice?
KC: I tried out 6 years ago. My second race I came 3rd and have been traveling to represent Canada ever since!
Examiner: The whole idea of ice cross downhill is all-around exhilarating. What is the best part for you?
KC: I love the sport. It's getting bigger and will soon be more organized. I love the fact that we get to travel all around the world to face new styles of courses with different obstacles, and awesome fans who are willing to withstand the coldest weather to cheer us on.
Examiner: Are you an absolute adrenaline junkie? What is it that drives you? What other adrenaline-filled sports do you like?
KC: I have always liked different sports. Started off playing hockey. I also like to snowboard and ski, as well as water ski. I used to do waterski shows for the biggest water sports company in Canada, Team SWS.
Examiner: What kind of pointers can you give to someone who might be considering getting into ice cross downhill?
KC: Be prepared for crazy tracks and speeds of up to 60km. It is a great sport and everyone has a chance to try out.
The Red Bull Crashed Ice in St. Paul aired on NBC on Saturday, February 16, 2013, and will be available On Demand soon. It’s an event worth watching if you’re always looking for an adrenaline rush, and you can catch the incredible winning run that made Kyle Croxall the champion.
Visit the Red Bull Crashed Ice Web site for more information on the sport. Follow the Red Bull Signature Series to find out when the competition will be aired On Demand.
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