Spanish downhill skateboarder Diego Poncelet describes to us what it feels like going at 94.34 mph with no brakes, after setting a standing world speed record last month.
“When you’re aiming for a record, obviously you wear a suit. Firstly, because you have to go at that speed and a suit helps. But when you’re skating with your mates at your local spot, there’s something really special about feeling the wind all over your body, enveloping you. It’s part of the magic of the sport"
"I wanted to see what it felt like at that speed. So, I’m still just as curious to find out what it feels like at 160 (99.42 mph), for example. The problem is that, as far as I know, there aren’t any roads left that can handle those speeds, so either I’ll have to build my own road or find another one."
“There are lots of possibilities for the future of downhill skateboarding. Obviously, I get asked a lot about the Olympics too. I’d love that. Obviously there are the X Games."
"There aren’t any clear rules about what we can and can’t do. That’s really cool, mate. It’s like absolute freedom.”
The Red Bull athlete began work on the attempt four years ago, but his search for a road with the required gradient to spur him to record speeds came to nothing.
Finally, Poncelet had to accept that Route 362 in Les Eboulements, two hours north-east of Quebec City, is a "miracle."
On a specially designed 31-poundskateboard, in shoes soled with car tire rubber, Poncelet launched himself into the abyss.
&uuid=(email))