Photos: Red Bull Crashed Ice

1

St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — A competitor crests a hill to cross over John Ireland Boulevard along the Red Bull Crashed Ice course Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012 near the Saint Paul Cathedral. During this first day of competition, skaters raced down the course, one at a time, attempting to advance in the competition. During the final rounds, athletes will race down the course four at a time. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

2

St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Kelly Olson (147) reacts after passing over a bump and heading into a tight corner along the Red Bull Crashed Ice course Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012. On this first day of competition, skaters raced the course one at a time. The 64 fastest advance to Friday's competition. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

3

St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Crowds braved cold and windy conditions to cheer on competitors in the Red Bull Crashed Ice National Shootout on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012. One hundred athletes from the United States raced the course, one at a time. The fastest 64 advanced in the competition. Eventually, skaters will race down the icy track four at a time. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

4

St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Crowds braved cold and windy conditions to cheer on competitors in the Red Bull Crashed Ice National Shootout on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012. One hundred athletes from the United States raced the course, one at a time. The fastest 64 advanced in the competition. Eventually, skaters will race down the icy track four at a time. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

5

St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Jess Durrant, who competes with the Minnesota RollerGirls as Norah Torious, watches Crashed Ice skaters navigate the icy course Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012 near the Saint Paul Cathedral. Durrant was there to cheer on two fellow RollerGirls who were competing in the event. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

6

St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — A Crashed Ice skater flies over a double bump during the first day of competition Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012 near the Saint Paul Cathedral. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo