Redbull Crashed Ice skater Tristan Dugerdil’s talent on a pair of ice skates is about as home grown as it comes. If you’ve read our interview with Tristan and his Crashed Ice mate Pacome Schmitt in the current issue of Source Magazine, you’ll know that they both cut their skating skills playing ice hockey for local teams.
Crashed Ice had its humble beginnings in Sweden in 2010 and is now a truly global event, attracting massive audiences. Stages take place with stunning city centre backdrops from Belfast to Edmonton, Helsinki to Minnesota. The Riders Cup event is part of the Ice-Cross Downhill Championship, a Red Bull supported event that offers up World Cup points to riders. This weekend Tristan will be out to bag as many points as possible on home turf (or ice…), we caught up with him ahead of the competition.
Brian Schack of the United States, Adam Skube of Canada Tristan Dugerdil of France and Pieter Gysel of Belgium perform during the Finals of the Red Bull Crashed Ice, the second stop of the Ice Cross Downhill World Championship in Saint Paul, MN, United States of America on February 22, 2014. // Andreas Schaad/Red Bull Content Pool // P-20140223-00050 // Usage for editorial use only // Please go to www.redbullcontentpool.com for further information. //
Tristan, how’s the season going for you? Are you happy with your performances?
My season is going well so far, 2 finals in 3 races. I feel good on my skates. I’m now 4th in the world championship, i’ll do my best to reach the top 3.
Crashed Ice and ice-cross as sports are very big now. How do you feel about this?
Yes it’s really interesting to see how fast the sport is growing up and to be part of it. I do my best to help the sport going this way like with the organisation of a race in France, it’s a big step for the sport in our country !
Everyone in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz is excited for the event this weekend. How are you feeling about it?
I love the fact the everyone is excited to come this weekend, I’m sure the show is gonna be awesome, I guess the crowd as well. It’s will be nice to race at home !
Where will the course be in Avoriaz?
It’s gonna be in the middle of the village !
How many riders will compete?
100 guys and 8 girls will compete
Why should people come and watch you?
Because they have never seen this before! People around here love ski and ice hockey, this weekend is about both reunited in an impressive show in a beautiful village!
What time does the event start?
It starts at 6 on friday for the qualifications, and the big final is saturday at 6 as well
