Why Diego Poncelet did not stop after 91.27mph and came back to set a 94.34mph skateboard record
Diego Poncelet waited for better conditions after a 91.27mph test run, then set a Guinness downhill skateboard record at 94.34mph.
A skateboarder from Spain has broken a Guinness World Records mark after hitting 94.34 mph on a downhill run in Canada. The part that makes it even wilder is that Diego Poncelet had already gone fast enough to take the title before deciding to wait and try again.
Diego Poncelet, 27, was clocked at 94.34 mph on a closed section of Route des Éboulements in Quebec's Charlevoix region, earning the Guinness World Records title for the fastest skateboard speed downhill in a standing position.
Poncelet's attempt can be seen in the clip below. Guinness said the road was the same location where the previous record had been set, making it a familiar place for one of downhill skateboarding's biggest benchmarks.
Why his first record breaking run was not enough
What stands out about Poncelet's result is that he had already produced a title-winning speed before the final run. He said his first test descent topped out at 91.27 mph, which on its own would have been enough to take the record.
He still chose not to stop there. Poncelet waited five more days for better weather conditions and then returned on Sept. 22, when he pushed the number up to 94.34 mph.
Speaking to Red Bull, he said he had not fully admitted to himself that 93 mph was his real goal because he was afraid it might not be doable. He said that after reaching 91.27 mph, he still was not satisfied, and that it was only once he got past 93 mph that he felt completely ecstatic.
The road and the conditions behind the attempt
The route used for the record helps explain why it was chosen. Route des Éboulements is about 1.37 miles long and has a maximum gradient of 18 percent. A steep straight section measuring 600 metres provided the key stretch for building speed.
Red Bull also said there was a tailwind of 6 to 9 mph during the 94.34 mph run. Combined with the closed road and the downhill course, those conditions helped produce the final record number.
What the result means
Red Bull describes Poncelet as a two-time downhill skateboarding world champion. His latest achievement adds a Guinness World Records speed mark of 151.83 kph, or 94.34 mph, making him the fastest skateboarder ever in the standing category.
For most people, 91.27 mph on a skateboard would have been the headline. For Poncelet, it turned out to be the run that convinced him to wait, come back and go even faster.
What high speed skateboarding is
High speed skateboarding usually means downhill riding on a longboard built for stability rather than tricks. These boards are longer, lower to the ground and set up to reduce wobble when speed rises. Riders often use larger, grippier wheels and trucks tuned to feel predictable instead of loose.
The aim is simple: carry speed down a smooth hill while staying balanced, aerodynamic and in control. At serious speeds, even small movements matter. A shift in body weight, a rough patch of road or a sudden gust can change how the board behaves.
How riders stay in control
Control comes from body position as much as the board itself. Riders crouch to lower their centre of gravity and reduce wind resistance. Steering is done with subtle pressure through the feet and ankles, because sharp inputs can trigger speed wobble. To slow down, experienced riders may use controlled slides, where the wheels briefly lose grip in a managed way.
Protective gear is a major part of the discipline. A full face helmet, slide gloves, abrasion resistant clothing and pads are common, because falls at speed can be severe. People who ride seriously also look for clean pavement, clear visibility and a route free from traffic and unexpected obstacles.
Useful safety basics for beginners
If you are curious about trying downhill skating, start with gentle slopes and basic foot braking before thinking about speed. Learn on a board set up for stability, not a standard trick skateboard. Check wheel tightness, bearings and bushings regularly, and never assume a hill is safe just because it looks empty.
A practical rule is to treat speed as something you earn gradually. Ride with others when possible, use protective gear every time and stop if the surface, weather or your confidence feels off. In high speed skating, judgment is as important as bravery.
