Bring on the world: Red Bull Crashed Ice returns to Quebec City in 2010

- First-ever Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship will feature athletes from across the globe competing in Munich and Quebec City -

TORONTO , Dec. 7 /CNW/ - Sharpen your blades, Red Bull Crashed Ice is back and bigger than ever! After 14 spectacular winter extreme sport races over the last nine years, Red Bull Crashed Ice officially becomes a World Championship in 2010 - with two races beginning at Munich's Olympiapark on January 16, 2010 and concluding in Quebec City's Vieux-Québec on March 20, 2010 . Since 2000, hundreds of thousands of spectators have been captivated by the races that have taken place in eight different countries, with host cities including Moscow , Prague , Lausanne, and of course, Québec City.

A combination of hockey, boardercross, and downhill skiing, Red Bull Crashed Ice sets a thrilling stage for intrepid male and female amateur and pro hockey players from across the country. No flat surfaces here - instead, daring racers hurtle down a 550m ice track coiling through the city's stunning landscape while navigating through huge verticals, jumps and hairpin turns in a battle to the finish. This year, both racers and fans alike can expect another spectacular glacial makeover of Québec City's famous and sinuous Côte de la Montagne, with a few exciting changes to be unveiled soon!

Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship

For the first time in Red Bull Crashed Ice history, athletes representing 8 countries from across the globe will be competing at both stops in hopes of being named the first ever Red Bull Crashed Ice World Champion. Final rankings will be determined based on the points accumulated over the two stops. Battling for the glory and representing the true north are Canada's top three performers - Gabriel Andre ( Edmonton , AB), Kevin Olson (Lethbridge, AB) and Christian Papillon (Québec City, QC). "It's a great honour. Any skater would like to represent the country in this particular sport," said past champion Kevin Olson .

Although these Red Bull Crashed Ice veterans are confident in their chances to bring home both the team and individual championship titles in 2010. Their competition will be immense, as repeat winners Arttu Pihlainen of Finland and the original Red Bull Crashed Ice legend, Jasper Felder of Sweden , are sure to bring heat to the ice. With seven Red Bull Crashed Ice victories under his belt, Felder is considered a contender to take the very first World Championship. "It's the ultimate sport for me and obviously I would like to be the first world champion," said Felder.

Qualifiers & Registration

For information on registration for the Canadian qualifiers for the men's and women's divisions, new course design, and other exciting details of the Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship, check out www.redbullcrashedice.com.

Special Thanks

Red Bull Crashed Ice is possible thanks to partners including the Quebec Government, the City of Québec and the Quebec City Tourism. Red Bull Crashed Ice extends special thanks to the Merchants Associations of Old Quebec and Place-Royale, the Old Quebec Citizen Association, SODEC, event producer Gestev and its volunteers, and of course the wonderful residents of Quebec City.

Red Bull Crashed Ice Content

    
    Video: www.redbullcontentpool.com
    Images: www.redbull-photofiles.com
    

About Red Bull Energy Drink

Red Bull(R) Energy Drink is a functional beverage with a unique combination of ingredients. It has been specially developed for times of increased mental and physical exertion, and can be drunk in virtually any situation: during sports, at work, whilst driving and during leisure activities. Red Bull(R) Energy Drink:

    
    -   increases performance
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For further information: For media in Quebec City, please contact: Marie-Claire D'Aoust, Gestev, [phone], [email protected]; For English speaking media, please contact: Melissa Graham/Melissa Legaspi, Edelman, [phone] x 350/272, [email protected], [email protected]; Sonia Klinger, Red Bull Canada, [phone], [email protected]; For French speaking media, please contact: Marie-Anne Grondin, Edelman, [phone] x 246, [email protected]; Josée Laperrière, Red Bull Canada, [phone], [email protected]