Spanish downhill skateboarder has officially become the world’s fastest skateboarder after reaching 94.34 mph during a record attempt in Quebec, Canada. The run earned the 27-year-old a new Guinness World Records title for the fastest skateboard speed downhill while standing.
Poncelet set the record Sept. 22 on a closed section of Route des Éboulements in Quebec’s Charlevoix region. The roughly 1.4-mile road includes an extended straightaway approaching 2,000 feet and reaches a maximum gradient of 18% which gave the Spaniard the opportunity to build enormous speed without worrying about turning.
He Broke The Record Twice
Poncelet, a two-time downhill skateboarding world champion and Red Bull athlete, had already surpassed the existing world record during his first day of testing.
That initial run reached about 91.27 mph, narrowly beating the 91.17-mph record set by British skateboarder Peter Connolly at the same location in 2017. Poncelet wasn’t satisfied and knew he could get a bit more speed.
He waited five days for better weather conditions before returning to the hill. With a tailwind of roughly 6 to 9 mph, Poncelet tucked into an aerodynamic position and reached the record-setting 94.34 mph.
“I never truly admitted to myself that my real objective was to get to 150kph (93.2mph).” -Diego Poncelet
Preparing To Go Nearly 95 MPH On A Skateboard
Poncelet worked in a wind tunnel in Geneva to refine his riding position and determine how long he could maintain an extremely compact tuck. He also trained his torso and neck mobility so he could remain aerodynamic while still seeing enough of the road to navigate.
His equipment was similarly optimized for speed. Red Bull says Poncelet wore an aerodynamic suit using textured fabrics and a spoiler-like section on his back to reduce drag. His shoes and gloves were also developed specifically for the attempt, with the footwear designed to help absorb vibrations while remaining stable at high speed.
At more than 94 mph, even minor body movements could affect the skateboard. Poncelet memorized the road and used its painted lines to help guide him while tucked low enough that his forward visibility was limited.
The result was 94.34 mph while standing on a skateboard, officially making Poncelet the fastest downhill skateboarder ever recorded by Guinness World Records.
¡VAMOS!
