The Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cup, wrapping up Saturday night in Whistler, is not just a major test for the future Olympic sliding track.

It was also a first for thousands of spectators, who got a chance to see world-class competition on what's widely described now as the fastest slide in the world, with top speeds pushing the mark of 150 kilometres an hour.

"You think they go fast, until you stand beside the track. It's a totally different experience. It's insane," says spectator Sean Oberholtzer.

It was also a first for the Canadian sliders themselves, those who travel by sled and on their stomach,

"This kind of fan support is unlike anything we've seen in Canada before," says bobsleigh athlete Shelley-Ann Brown. "It's so amazing."

The final two days of the three day event were sell outs, with more than 6,000 tickets sold. It's something that put smiles on the faces of those working in the village below the venue.

"The hoteliers as well as the restaurateurs are very pleased with the number of people here enjoying this event," says Whistler Tourism's Casey Vanden Heuvel.

However, not all Canadians were pleased with the results. There was heartbreak to be had for medal hopeful Melissa Hollingsworth, who placed ninth.

And while bobsleigh pilot Lyndon Rush might not have made the podium, the fourth place competitor welcomed a chance to shine a spotlight on what he insists is an inadequate sled.

"We're doing this on sub par equipment," says Rush. "(We) need to be serious contenders for the podium next year."

That message was delivered even as scores of spectators left the venue early before the medals ceremonies began.

"I think the biggest factor is its really cold and we're with them," says Vanoc's Maureen Douglas. "We understand."

Meaning the fans would miss the results of the so-called home track advantage.

A highlight of the event happened Thursday, when Manitoba's Jon Montgomery quietly sang along to Canada's national anthem, wearing his gold -- a first chance for the $101 million track to give back.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Sarah Galashan