In the modern world, something new is constantly appearing. Sport is no exception. A relatively young and developing species is the descent along steep and winding ice slides at high speeds on skates. This is a spectacular and extreme sport. He is not yet Olympic, but his rapid development dynamics show that he has every chance of becoming one.
What is Ice Cross Downhill? History of occurrence
These are competitions, the essence of which is in overcoming the ice track. On it there are twisting turns and jumps. Four participants start. They run shoulder to shoulder. The speed that athletes develop is 40-80 km / h.
The Austrians invented downhill skiing. These were Stefan Aufschneiter and Sigurd Mayhe. They were the first participants in this sport - Stockholm, 2000. Initially, the rules and conditions of the competition were set out simply on paper. Then the audience did not even fully understand what spectacle awaits them. In principle, this could be said of the first judges.
Now speed skating is gathering a considerable audience. The success of the first competition was obvious. It turned out to be such an exciting and dynamic sight that the organizers decided to establish annual competitions. The venue changes every time. Throughout its existence, Ice Cross Downhill started in the most beautiful cities in the world at ice stadiums and ski resorts.
At first, the speed skating looked like separate races. Since 2007, competitions have been held twice a year - in Quebec and one of the cities of Europe. In 2010, this young sport gained a structure, and world championships began to be held. Since 2017, Quebec has been replaced by Ottawa. The organizers of the competition are actively involved in negotiations and the status of the Olympic discipline.
Athletes uniform
Since downhill skating is an extreme sport, the equipment of competitors must fulfill the functions of maximum protection. In addition, she can not restrict the movement of athletes. Each participant also thinks about advantages over others. And equipment can also help here.
In general, an athlete looks like a hockey player, only without a stick. By the way, this sport (downhill skiing) has become attractive to some hockey players who are happy to take part in competitions. The only thing is that the skates are slightly different in the sharpening of the blade.
In order for the athlete to get an admission to the slope, riders must have the following equipment:
- Skates - the participant selects according to his preference. Metin steel is used for the blade. It provides minimal friction. A chip is built into the skates before the start of the competition. It makes it possible to track the exact time of finishing.
- Helmet - mostly taken by hockey players, as they provide maximum protection. Although some people opt for a helmet for motocross and mountain bicycles with additional face protection.
- Elbow pieces and shoulder protection. This piece of equipment should be fairly light, but provide reliable protection in the event of a collision.
- Knee pads and shields - they protect the knees from injuries in the fall, as well as from possible cuts with skates.
- Shorts equipped with shock absorbing elements.
- Additional protection for arms, back, neck and mouth guard.
Color and shape design are free.
Athletes seek to minimize the weight of equipment. But so as not to put yourself at risk. In addition, participants can apply different tricks in fixing the elements of clothing. For example, elastic bands.
Slide on which skating goes downhill
What is the name of the path along which athletes race? As in other racing sports - the track. It is similar to a bobsled facility. This is an ice corridor that must be fenced. He has all kinds of obstacles. The first descent in the center of Stockholm was quite steep and equipped with sharp turns with jumps. The length of the route was no more than 300 meters.
Gradually, speed skating on ice ice forms as a sport discipline. The organizers formulated uniform rules for the construction of routes, compliance with which ensures vivid entertainment of the competitions and safety. Such a factor as environmental friendliness of equipment did not remain without attention. Now the average length of the route is 500-600 meters.
Mandatory Elements
The track should have 3 barriers, a speed zone, a labyrinth, a bend, an arch (to overcome it you need to touch the ice with your chest). Engineers are constantly working on new technological solutions, integrate the route into the existing landscape, using natural elevations, objects and even historic buildings.
Countries dominating this sport
First, the championship was with the Swedes. It lasted about 5 years. The leadership belonged to Jasper Felder - a well-known athlete. In 2005, Canada seized the championship. Then, for several years in a row, the athletes of Finland led. Recently, unconditional leadership in this sport belongs to Canada and the United States (the largest number of victories).
rules
The basis for the formation of the charter of the competition was ski cross. The scheme of the tournament involves a preliminary qualification in time. Then the athletes compete in 4 people. This is the play off system, when the 2 best players go further, and the 2 worst players are eliminated. Competitions will continue until it becomes clear who the champion is. In addition to the main finals, additional competitions are held in the struggle for places from 5th to 8th. Today, this sport is developing in Russia.
Until 2012, only men participated in the races. Now women are trying this sport. While there is no centralized training system. Representatives of world sports, which previously took place in related disciplines, decide how the ice skating championship will be held. These include: short track, speed skating, hockey, skiing, figure skating. The training process can take place on competitive tracks, pump tracks, ice rinks.
Since 2016, a category such as juniors has been introduced. Novice athletes have the opportunity to develop and prove themselves in high-speed racing. We are constantly working to attract new players to this sport.
The main competitions of the championship are held under the auspices of Red Bull - the manufacturer of energy drinks.