Cameron Naasz and Amanda Trunzo edge closer to glory in Mont Du Lac

Written by Chris Magill 18 February

Cameron Naasz and Amanda Trunzo of the USA both put one hand on the ice cross downhill world championship title in their respective categories with commanding victories at the penultimate ATSX 500 stop of the season in Mont Du Lac, USA.

Men’s championship leader, Naasz, made it four wins out of five races this season to increase his hold on top spot. Canada’s Kyle Croxall, who continued his impressive resurgence this year with another second-place finish, is now the only remaining title contender along with Naasz after Scott Croxall and Mirko Lahti crashed out early on the 300m natural ice track.

Naasz is now in the driving seat and only needs to finish in the top five at the final stop of the season in La Sarre, Canada, on March 2 to reclaim the title he lost last season. An early exit, though, could leave the door open for 2012 world champion Croxall.

“I had one slip-up in the round of 16,” said Naasz. “But I had a really good comeback in that race and raced pretty solid today. I’m only 175 points ahead of Kyle now, so I’m looking forward to battling a good friend in La Sarre.”

Trunzo was once again untouchable in a star-studded women's final which included her three closest rivals: Jacqueline Legere and Myriam Trepanier, both of Canada, and Switzerland’s Anais Morand. The American reigning world champion led from start to finish to secure a stunning fifth win in a row this winter, and now in all likelihood just needs to complete one competitive run down the track in La Sarre to make it back-to-back titles.

“I know they’re all good skaters,” said Trunzo of her rivals. “I just wanted to get out in front and hold my line, and that’s what happened. It’d be unbelievable to go back-to-back and get that world championship. I still have La Sarre in a couple of weeks, so we’ll see what happens there.”