The season began with Croxall's 2015 world championship win still fresh in the memory. His aim was to become the first back-to-back champion in ice cross downhill history.
It was Naasz who drew first blood though when they met in the final of the season opener in Quebec City, surging clear to take a comfortable win.
After the rivals sat out the first Riders Cup event in Wagrain-Kleinarl, it was back to business in Munich and again it was Naasz looking down on the Canadian from atop the podium.
Things got even worse for Croxall in the Avoriaz Riders Cup when he could only manage ninth place. Naasz seemingly had both hands on the trophy after finishing second and opening up a 725 point lead in the standings.
The Rautalampi Riders Cup was simply a must win race for Croxall, and he threw down a warning to Naasz by doing just that.
Even so, Naasz had the chance to win the world championship in Jyväskylä-Laajis. Both made it through to the final but in a dramatic, season-changing twist, Naasz slipped while leading and let Croxall past for the victory.
In the space of two races Croxall had cut the gap to just 60 points. The battle for the title was well and truly back on.
With renewed confidence and momentum on his side, Croxall made the podium in two of the next three Riders Cup races, and in doing so grabbed a slender 65 point lead going into the season finale.
So, it all comes down this. Croxall and Naasz will battle it out in front of a huge crowd in Saint Paul on Saturday night. Who will be crowned world champion? It's sure to be a truly gripping spectacle, don't miss it!
