Congratulations to Kyle Croxall the defending champion who survived a spectacular crash as he began but came from behind to win the opening round of the 2012/13 Ice Cross Downhill World Championship in Niagara Falls.  As the home crowd screamed its support, Croxall defeated Cameron Naasz of the United States and Switzerland’s Kilian Braun as the three screeched down the incredibly treacherous 460-meter long ice track beside the Falls.

“It was a lot of pressure but I just tried to maintain my style,” said Croxall, a Canadian firefighter after crossing the finish line. “It was awesome. I’ve got so many friends here and the Canadian crowd is amazing.”

Approximately 35,000 people were in Niagara Falls Saturday night for the big event. A similar crowd turned out the first time Quebec City hosted a Crashed Ice event in 2006 but for last March’s return to that city, the spectator numbers had grown to 100,000 fans

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati is keen to see that kind of growth happen here and has already had discussions with Red Bull officials regarding a long-term arrangement for Niagara Falls.

Cross your fingers, Niagarans!

Results: 1. Kyle Croxall (CAN), 2. Cameron Naasz (USA), 3. Kilian Braun (SUI), 4. Adam Horst (CAN), 5. Paavo Klintrup (FIN), 6. Derek Wedge (SUI), 7. Martin Niefnecker (GER), 8. Marco Dellago (AUT), 9. Mikka Jouhkinmainen (FIN), 10. Kim Mueller (SUI)