The bright lights of Saint Paul set the scene for a night of dazzling drama in the season finale.
The toughest track in history weaved and wound its way down from the Cathedral of Saint Paul, carving through a crowd of many thousands on its way.
There were a few hairy moments even before the racing began!
They were calling the grueling 16-foot-high step-up 'Everest', so it was only fitting that it be conquered by a flag-bearing skater wearing stars and stripes.
The sight of athletes bursting away from the majestic cathedral was one to behold.
A stunning view from the top of the BF Goodrich Wallride.
These fans were perfectly positioned to capture all the drama that unfolded on the unforgiving obstacle.
But nothing tested the athletes quite like the final 16-foot-high step-up did.
So treacherous it turned the world upside down for many an unfortunate skater.
Not for Naasz though, who coolly cruised through the early rounds and even added a touch of style over the fearsome jump.
Scott Croxall was also surging through his half of the draw, and the two powerhouses were on a collision course heading into the season final.
The heavyweight showdown didn't disappoint, with Croxall breathing down Naasz's neck the whole way down.
But Naasz held on and won the race by mere inches, making him the first American champion in the sport's history.
A huge crowd had witnessed the most dramatic night ever in ice cross downhill and duly went wild for their hero.
Like two bruised boxers the pair embraced down at the finish line following 10 grueling rounds of ice cross downhill action this season.
In the women's event Jacqueline Legere, Myriam Trepanier and Alexis Jackson were attempting to leap into history and become the new world champion.
And it was Legere who powered to victory and capped a stunning season by taking the title.
Double celebrations in the Twin Cities. Saint Paul bore witness to the creation of two new world champions.
