Crashed Ice, Round 1 - Munich, Germany

Last year, we really enjoyed watching the Crashed Ice final, taking place in Quebec. We liked it so much that we live commented the whole thing. At the time, we barely had any idea what was going on, and didn't realise that we had missed some earlier rounds until at least partway through.

This year, although we're still not a lot wiser in terms of who is taking part (although I will always remember the name Niefnecker), we've managed to catch the event from it's very beginning. There was an element of luck involved. I looked at my to-do list, saw the words Crashed Ice and had a peek at the official site, where there was a countdown for this very day.

Credit: Jarno Schurgers/Red Bull Photofiles
Crashed Ice training in Tyrol

Phew!

There's a live stream on the site itself, and the action kicks off at 17:45 GMT. I don't know how much interest in this there will be, but I know I certainly enjoyed it enough last time to warrant having a post all to myself! I hope you will join me if you have a spare few minutes though. The action is fast and furious, and sometimes it looks a bit painful.

Catching the event from the very first round leaves me in good stead to learn enough over the course of the next three meets, so that by the time the final rolls round in March, I could perhaps Factbyte Factbox it. We will have to see how that goes.

For now, sit back, or sit on the edge of your seat, and enjoy the first round of Crashed Ice.

188 responses

Christine15/01/2011 at 16:33

Another excellent name: Bart van Roosmalen.
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:15

Just half an hour now.
Chris15/01/2011 at 17:19

Just half an hour now.
I'm really looking forward to this. Missed it last year, so been waiting ages to finally see it live!
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:21

I'm really looking forward to this. Missed it last year, so been waiting ages to finally see it live!
I remember last time just being astounded at what these crazy people do. But that's Red Bull extreme sports for you, isn't it! :)
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:40

The Red Bull tv thing is talking about the longest skidoo jump world record. Madness.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:41

Ohhhhhhhh I remember this!! Awesome!! What excellent timing to get home from work
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:44

Thats a big ramp! (got the pre-playing biking thing on)
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:45

Thats a big ramp! (got the pre-playing biking thing on)
Long way too!
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:45

It's starting!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:45

We are now live :)
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:46

wow, it comes out of the olympiastadiam... blimey.
Chris15/01/2011 at 17:46

Enthusiastic commentator! :D
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:47

Oh they have a small final. Awww.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:48

Stream has stopped for me?
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:48

Stream has stopped for me?
Oh no!
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:48

Me too.
Chris15/01/2011 at 17:49

Stream has stopped for me?
Me too. I'm refreshing to see if it fixes it
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:49

It's back!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:49

Me too. I'm refreshing to see if it fixes it
ohhh it's back :)
much better than freecaster ;)
Chris15/01/2011 at 17:49

Me too. I'm refreshing to see if it fixes it
It didn't, but we're back. In german it seems...
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:49

Claudio, an expert, says the ice is fast and rough.
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:49

Ooh, a trip round the course. That hairpin is going to be tricky.
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:50

"That was the track in Munich, and it's fun."
Good job they got an expert in :)
Chris15/01/2011 at 17:50

That hairpin is going to be tricky.
Looks like a fun circuit!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:51

That hairpin is going to be tricky.
Looks like a good overtaking opportunity
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:51

I feel bad cheering for Niefnecker, because I think he is the favourite, and we normally like the underdog. He's the only one I remember though.
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:52

Red one wins easily.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:53

What an aweosme way to cross the line
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:53

I like bowling across the finish line and taking out your opponents. Can you still take the place even if you're upside down? :)
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:53

Sebastien Morrisette is a great name! Canadian too!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:53

I want Boris to win! go Boris!!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:53

Sebastien Morrisette is a great name! Canadian too!
alanis is cheering him on somewhere :)
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:54

alanis is cheering him on somewhere :)
How ironic :)
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:54

How ironic :)
:D
goooooo Boris!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:54

Boris span out on turn 1 I think
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:55

Niefnecker second, Alanis third.
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:55

I like super slow-mo!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:56

Yootz is lootz aboot this hootz!
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:57

Silver guy was scrappy!
Chris15/01/2011 at 17:57

This is brilliant!
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:58

Jasper Felder rings a bell.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:58

Ouchies!
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:58

Oooh, massive fall by yellow.
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:58

Jasper did too! He's out before I even managed to remember him.
Kai15/01/2011 at 17:59

Hi guys!
Thank you for showing yet another kind of racing I've never seen before. :)
Chris15/01/2011 at 17:59

Oooh, massive fall by yellow.
Ouch!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 17:59

Thank you for showing yet another kind of racing I've never seen before. :)
Its so cool!
Christine15/01/2011 at 17:59

Can't believe the yellow guy didn't come last after that! Still out though.
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:00

I can't believe no one has bashed into the wall at the hairpin yet. They lose no speed, I don't get how they do it!
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:01

Is it me, or is the red tabard winning each heat?
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:01

I can't believe no one has bashed into the wall at the hairpin yet. They lose no speed, I don't get how they do it!
I suspect they have a flexing front toe on their skates
Kai15/01/2011 at 18:02

My video is jumping, jumping, jumping. Have you had any issues with it?
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:02

My video is jumping, jumping, jumping. Have you had any issues with it?
It froze initially, but has been fine since.
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:03

Great heli-view!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:03

Blue won this time!
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:03

Blue won this time!
It's because I pointed it out, isn't it? ;)
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:04

It's because I pointed it out, isn't it? ;)
Hehehe.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:04

It's because I pointed it out, isn't it? ;)
Jinx! :)
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:04

I want Kim Muller to win because I like the yoghurts
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:05

Scrappiest race ever!!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:06

everyone I support gets eliminated #sorryguys
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:06

I definitely remember Kyle Croxall. He may or may not have had a brother doing the race too.
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:06

everyone I support gets eliminated #sorryguys
Jinx! :D
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:06

everyone I support gets eliminated #sorryguys
Aww.
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:07

Was he pulling on his shirt and stuff? Maybe we'll get a punch-up at the end!
Pat W15/01/2011 at 18:08

Missed most of this as some friends came over unexpectedly. Am about to head out, looks fun though!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:08

Was he pulling on his shirt and stuff? Maybe we'll get a punch-up at the end!
No they were just having a mid race hug :)
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:08

Unbelievable! Yellow guy was proper cheeky!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:08

The course changes colour like the hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:09

The course changes colour like the hotel in Abu Dhabi.
It's very impressive! Much better than that nasty black ice!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:10

Even the commentator doesn't know the name :)
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:11

Even the commentator doesn't know the name :)
I like it at the start when they say, watch out for the blue and red. Much more helpful than names :)
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:12

I like it at the start when they say, watch out for the blue and red. Much more helpful than names :)
Yes! They know their audience :)
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:13

Possibility of rain 20%. Add rain to the mix, what chaos you would have!
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:14

Possibility of rain 20%. Add rain to the mix, what chaos you would have!
People crossing the finish line head first?
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:14

People crossing the finish line head first?
The ice might all melt and they would have to swim it.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:14

Possibility of rain 20%. Add rain to the mix, what chaos you would have!
Weather services provided by Mike Gascoyne ;)
mmmm, Bayern Munich play in a marshmellow.
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:15

Quarter finals are go!!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:15

He's saying something that sounds like Kovalainen.
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:16

WOW!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:16

That was awesome!
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:16

What a race!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:17

I think Neifnecker is out!!
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:17

Blue gets second.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:17

Split finish! Literally!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:17

Split finish! Literally!
Body parts everywhere.
Pat W15/01/2011 at 18:17

Madness!
Kai15/01/2011 at 18:18

The feed isn't working for me, so I'll catch you later. Thanks for letting me know this exists. It's such fun. :)
Ciao
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:19

The feed isn't working for me, so I'll catch you later. Thanks for letting me know this exists. It's such fun. :)
Aww, shame though :(
bye kai
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:19

Blue guy hit the crashmat at the end hard. It would be quite embarrassing to get to the end safely and then knock yourself out on the barrier.
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:21

Was that a Mini Safety Car??
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:22

Photo finish!!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:22

Another photo finish!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:23

I think blue.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:23

They do the exact, exact same movements!!
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:23

They need a better photo finish camera...
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:23

BLUE!
It's like the skating equivalent of dipping your head.
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:23

They need a better photo finish camera...
:)
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:24

They need a better photo finish camera...
They need one of those moving fast camera things they use for the athletics :)
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:24

He took him out on the hairpin!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:24

Those last two looked wobbly all the way, and have both gone down!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:25

That was a Sato-esque overtaking manouvre :D
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:25

I'll have to cheer for Croxall now then, he's the only one I've heard of left in it :)
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:26

That was a Sato-esque overtaking manouvre :D
Hehehe.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:26

ooh, video.
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:26

ooh, video.
We might actually learn about the sport :)
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:27

Ahhh last years track through the streets was awesome.
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:30

No Germans left for the home fans.
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:30

hehe "no surprises so far today, except the world champion's out..."
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:30

hehe "no surprises so far today, except the world champion's out..."
:)
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:30

Two Croxalls! I knew it.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:31

I want Almost Kovalainen to win!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:31

I want Almost Kovalainen to win!
Arttu! In red.
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:32

Arttu!
Detu?
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:32

WOOO!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:32

Yesss!!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:33

Yesss!!
The curse of Lukeh has lifted!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:33

The curse of Lukeh has lifted!
Phew, thank goodness :)
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:34

I'm rooting for Kyle I thinks.
Pat W15/01/2011 at 18:34

Caught the last couple of races, this like ski cross but with ice skates, good stuff :)
I'm off to get a burger and watch the Green Hornet albeit it is a bit of a drive away, have fun with the rest of it..
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:34

Family domestic on turn 1 :)
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:34

I'm off to get a burger and watch the Green Hornet albeit it is a bit of a drive away, have fun with the rest of it..
Have fun pat!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:35

I think Kyle had a bit of a wobble there, unless he was being a bit majestic about the jump :)
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:35

Family domestic on turn 1 :)
Family domestic delayed until the final!!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:36

Still can't believe their safety car is a Mini
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:37

Still can't believe their safety car is a Mini
Also... what is it for?
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:37

Still can't believe their safety car is a Mini
I want to see that go round the hairpin! :D
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:37

I'm amazed they are calling it the small final and not a... wait for it... Mini final.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:37

Also... what is it for?
In case... someone... parks their skate on the side of the... road up to the top?!
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:38

Also... what is it for?
No idea at all. I couldunderstand a medical car for this, but not a safety one...
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:38

Oh! A bike! on the ice!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:38

Motorcycle on ice!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:38

Chris Pfeiffer!!!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:39

He forgot the trophy :)
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:39

He's properly crazy.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:39

See, snow won't stop Europeans from travelling!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:40

Chris is awesomeness. And terrifyingness too.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:41

And now Vettel shall drive the RB6 down it ;)
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:41

Chris is awesomeness.
Thanks! ...oh...
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:42

And now Vettel shall drive the RB6 down it ;)
I want to see that!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:42

Mr C says does anyone remember Kick Start?
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:42

Thanks! ...oh...
:)
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:42

Mr C says does anyone remember Kick Start?
Nope. Sorry!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:42

Mr C says does anyone remember Kick Start?
Yes! Very faintly from my childhood
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:42

Nope. Sorry!
Me either :)
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:43

Yes! Very faintly from my childhood
Ah, he thought you might! You mini Mr C :)
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:43

That was when they did timed runs on motorbikes and jumped over little set up routes and logs and stuff, if I'm thinking of the right show
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:43

That was when they did timed runs on motorbikes and jumped over little set up routes and logs and stuff, if I'm thinking of the right show
That's what he said. Up and down hills and across balance beams.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:44

That's what he said. Up and down hills and across balance beams.
I don't think it was even filmed when I was born but I watched it at some point definitely. It was really fun :)
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:44

I'm cheering for blue in this mini final.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:44

I think there's a famous clip actually from kick Start of ambulance guys calling over. I just remember the guy from Blue Peter commentating in tears at them falling over
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:46

Rrrrubbish. They broke the course on the way down too!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:46

The 360 spin is cooool!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:47

Cmooooon Almost Kovi!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:48

Cmooooon Almost Kovi!
He's going to win by a mile!
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:48

Go Artu Detoo!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:48

False start!!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:49

False start :D
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:49

What do they do if someone actually goes over the edge though!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:50

What do they do if someone actually goes over the edge though!
They have to climb back up, Gladiators style ;)
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:50

Disqualified blue guy.
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:50

Blue's been DQ'd!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:51

And they've moved them across.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:51

Disqualified blue guy.
What a silly billy
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:51

Scrappy!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:51

Blimey!! These are supposed to be the best ones!! :)
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:53

Great stuff, loved all of that.
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:53

I still want to know what happened to blue. How did he get DQ'd?
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:53

Oh lord 'for sure'
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:54

I still want to know what happened to blue. How did he get DQ'd?
Maybe he tried to fool everyone by saying he was his brother
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:56

He's the mini rookie. That's not at all patronising :)
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:56

I would definitely try and put that on my head
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:57

I would definitely try and put that on my head
I'd wear it at my next race!
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:57

I'd wear it at my next race!
Hehe.
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:58

Eye of the tiger :)
Chris15/01/2011 at 18:58

1000 points for first? Blimey!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:58

The podium is a bit cheaper than f1 :)
CHAMPAAAAAAGNNNEEEEEE
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:59

The podium is a bit cheaper than f1 :)
It's all a bit happier though.
Christine15/01/2011 at 18:59

Super slow-mo champagne!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 18:59

It's all a bit happier though.
Definitely!
Lukeh15/01/2011 at 19:00

That was fun :)
Christine15/01/2011 at 19:01

We'll definitely have threads for the other rounds! Thanks everyone, it's been brillo.
Chris15/01/2011 at 19:02

That was fun :)
Agreed. Can't help being remembered of the races in Starlight Express though.
Steven Roy16/01/2011 at 13:30

Just scanned through the comments to see what I missed. Nice to see Red Bull managed to get a Seb into this as well.
Sebastien Morrisette is a great name! Canadian too!
I remember kick start and junior kick start. It was motor cycle trials. The idea was to tackle an impossible obstacle course without ever putting a foot on the ground. Every foot down got a penalty and every failure to complete an obstacle got a penalty. And all of you know the best motor cycle trials rider for the past 20 years. His name is Dougie Lampkin and he did this.........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDi13GuaBQ8
.....and apparently last year he did this with added Lewis and Jenson.......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG5IrHzFels
I guess no-one ever told him that what he does is impossible
And here is a short clip of Dougie doing his day job
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtZs8kAdhtg
Lukeh16/01/2011 at 13:32

I remember kick start and junior kick start. It was motor cycle trials. The idea was to tackle an impossible obstacle course without ever putting a foot on the ground. Every foot down got a penalty and every failure to complete an obstacle got a penalty. And all of you know the best motor cycle trials rider for the past 20 years. His name is Dougie Lampkin and he did this.........
Love that man. The Goodwood house stunt is just insane!
Also it was really really odd walking around the grounds of Goodwood to find Dougie Lampkin constantly driving near you all day as he did in 2010 :)
Steven Roy16/01/2011 at 13:34

Love that man. The Goodwood house stunt is just insane!
Watch the second clip and see what he does at the Goodwood horse racing course and have you ever seen a naked woman massaged with a motor bike?
Lukeh16/01/2011 at 13:38

Watch the second clip and see what he does at the Goodwood horse racing course and have you ever seen a naked woman massaged with a motor bike?
Hehehehe! I can't say I've ever been asked that question before too. Excellent video though, gobsmacking stuff especially when he's on top of the stand!!
Also, is that mr Brittas/Chris Barrie? What a guy!
Steven Roy16/01/2011 at 13:40

Also, is that mr Brittas/Chris Barrie? What a guy!
He still looks odd without an H on his forehead