WATCH ABOVE: In three weeks, athletes from around the world will be plunging full-speed into Edmonton’s River Valley. Kent Morrison introduces us to one of the Edmonton competitors.
EDMONTON — Stephanie Fedoruk likes a little danger. And what’s more dangerous than skating downhill on a twisting, high-speed ice track?
“I like to skate fast,” said the 25-year-old hockey player. “So, why not try downhill with that?”
Fedoruk is one of a handful of locals among the 95 Canadian qualifiers in the Red Bull Crashed Ice competition, coming to Edmonton the weekend of March 12 to 14.
The course, which will start at the top of the Shaw Conference Centre before plunging deep into the river valley, promises to be one of most challenging skating races in the world.
READ MORE: ‘Exciting’ day for Edmonton as Red Bull Crashed Ice date announced
Competitors clad in full hockey gear barrel full speed down a track full of dips, jumps, tight turns and moguls. Athletes often reach speeds in excess of 60 km/h. The Edmonton track is expected to be one of the toughest.
“I’m a little nervous, Red Bull did say it’s the fastest, steepest course that they’ve built in this tour,” said Fedoruk.
“So I’m just excited to get on the course and try it out.”
In the past, the track has varied between approximately 430 and 600 metres (1,400 to 1,950 feet). Edmonton will have the longest track of this season.
Qualifiers for local athletes have been held across Canada over the past few weeks. Fedoruk finished first in the Edmonton region among women. She also has one of the fastest times in the country.
But the qualification is done on flat ice, through an obstacle course, nothing that matches the actual course the racers will compete on.
“I haven’t thought of another sport that’s kind of like it. Besides like preparing downhill like snowboard – but that has nothing to do with skating,” said Fedoruk.
Edmonton’s track will stretch 415 metres long with a 45-metre vertical drop and nine turns. Twelve ice makers will spray water for six days straight to make track, which will take a total of 12,000 hours of total work.
Fedoruk will likely not get a full idea of what she will be racing down until the track is actually built. But, she has been keeping a close eye on construction. (Construction livestream can be viewed at the bottom of this story.)
“I saw that first turn there. It’s quite sharp,” said Fedoruk. “I think once they start building more into the river valley it will be good. I’m excited.”
While the Edmonton track is being built, Fedoruk has been studying the other courses that have been built in the past, including the one used in Belfast, Ireland this past weekend.
She picked up hockey about 10 years ago, and also plays four times a week. Most of the time she plays with and against men, challenging the skating skills she first began developing at age six, when she started playing ringette while growing up in Leduc.
“I find that that helps a lot. Skating in a league where it’s all men dominated,” said Fedoruk.
When Fedoruk tackles the Crashed Ice course she will be wearing brand new equipment. She has acquired a number of sponsors, including her old employer, United Cycle.
“When I got that text that night that says she’s into it I’m like ‘absolutely you are, of course you are,’” said Kelly Hodgson, Brand and Events Manager for United Cycle.
Hodgson and Fedoruk have been friends since Fedoruk worked at United Cycle eight years ago. Hodgson is paying for brand new equipment for Fedoruk, including Bauer MX3 skates.
She will also receive a Go-pro helmet, which is required to complete in the race. United Cycle is also making a jersey for Fedoruk.
“This is a once-in-a-life time experience, right? So we want to make sure this experience for Steph is as memorable as possible,” said Hodgson.
He adds that he will be there on March 14 to watch her compete. He is confident she can win.
For now Fedoruk continues to play hockey and run on the treadmill while trying to prepare for the race. As the track continues to grow into the River Valley, so does her anticipation.
“It’ll be different on the 14th when there’s everyone watching. I’ll be a little bit nervous. Not going to lie,” said Fedoruk.
WATCH: Red Bull Crashed Ice Track Construction livestream
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