Merlis Belsher Place in Saskatoon came alive on December 22, 2024, as the world witnessed the first-ever indoor Ice Cross event. Organized in just seven days, the groundbreaking event attracted a strong turnout of around 60 to 100 skaters, enthusiastic spectators, and extensive media coverage, cementing Ice Cross’s status as a sport poised for global success.
Ice Cross Angels Bring Glamour to the Event
The Ice Cross Angels, Halle Paupst, Vayda Rose Yaholnitsky, and Lena Zubrian, added glamour and sophistication to the event. Stationed along the track and finish line, they assisted with falls, cheered on participants, and engaged with fans. Their elegance and poise earned high praise, with many suggesting they could rival Victoria’s Secret models.
Ice Cross Champions with Tim Cimmer and the Ice Cross Angels
Media Spotlight Shines Bright
The event drew significant media coverage, with CTV and “Aaron Tonight at 6” capturing every thrilling moment. Reporters also interviewed Tim Cimmer, the visionary creator of indoor Ice Cross, who shared his excitement about the sport’s future. “There’s lots of thrills, spills, the adrenaline’s awesome, and everyone had a lot of fun inside the arena,” Cimmer stated. “This is the first time ever there has been any kind of ice cross racing inside an arena.”
Founder Tim Cimmer Interviewed by CTV
Exhilarating Competition and Top Performers
The evening’s races were nothing short of spectacular. Athletes navigated a custom-built track featuring sharp turns, daring obstacles, and jaw-dropping jumps. Among the standout competitors were a 17-year-old racer with international experience, including the Red Bull-affiliated ATSX in France, who secured second place and an $800 prize. Saskatchewan’s own first-time racer claimed the champion’s title and $1,000, thrilling the home crowd.
Adding to the excitement, Tim Cimmer, the Audacious Cowboy and creator of Ice Cross, raced alongside competitors half his age. Despite a fall and finishing third, Cimmer demonstrated the sport’s inclusivity and resilience. His $600 prize was donated to the Canadian Ice Cross Association, a nonprofit governing body he founded in 2014.
Spectacular Ramps and Crowd-Pleasing Thrills
The professional track, with its monstrous 14-foot ramps, provided a heart-pounding spectacle. Cimmer, ever the daredevil, was the first to conquer the extreme jump, landing it flawlessly. Subsequent heats delivered breathtaking moments, including an acrobatic fall that brought the crowd to its feet in excitement.
A Breakthrough Moment for Ice Cross
The event highlighted the diversity of Ice Cross, with participants of all ages racing and getting paid for their efforts. The inclusion of young girls racing fiercely against boys showcased the sport’s equal footing for all genders. As one attendee put it, “The girls raced with no mercy, and it was inspiring to watch them keep up with—and even surpass—the boys.”
Future of Ice Cross: A Global Vision
With major sponsors like Potent Hockey and Synthetic Ice backing the event, interest from global brands such as Prime Sports and Disney Sports is growing. This debut indoor event has proven that Ice Cross is more than just a sport—it’s a movement poised to revolutionize winter athletics.
As the night concluded, the message was clear: Ice Cross has taken its first steps into the global arena, and its journey has only just begun. With plans for future world tours and ever-evolving innovations, the sport is ready to soar.
Stay updated on upcoming events and the global Ice Cross tour at Worldicecross.com
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