In a nail-biting moment from a Taxco Urban Downhill race in Mexico, professional rider Rémy Métailler’s descent took an unexpected turn when he collided with an elderly local resident on the course.
“Just bad luck”
The incident, captured on his GoPro camera, shows the French Commencal team rider navigating the treacherous urban track at speeds between 30-40 mph before the sudden encounter.
The footage reveals a heart-stopping sequence: as Remy Métailler finishes jumping a ramp on the narrow trail, an elderly woman appears unexpectedly in his path.
Despite his quick reactions, he slams into her, sending both parties tumbling onto the hard surface in a cloud of dust.
While the crash looks severe in the video, both parties were fortunately spared serious injury. The woman was treated for minor contusions at a local clinic and released the same day. Métailler, who ultimately finished 5th in the competition behind winner Filip Polc, escaped with bruises and a rattled helmet.
The incident sparked important discussions about pedestrian safety in urban downhill events, though it didn’t deter the growing popularity of the Taxco race, which went on to attract over 40,000 spectators by 2016.
Métailler’s humble response in the video description – “Just bad luck, could not do anything” – reflects the unpredictable nature of urban downhill racing where city streets become temporary race courses.
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