Hailing from France, Jorian Ponomareff took to the stunt scene with a creative blend of effortless riding skill and visual showmanship that has led to millions of YouTube video views. A knack for filmmaking put him on the map and reminded all of us what riding is all about: having fun. We caught up with him to find out more about his two greatest passions.
How did you get into stunting?
When I was 14, I watched some bike videos on the Internet and was really impressed by some of the riders on the other side of the world including one team called “Stunt Attitude,” so I decided to try it. My first little bike was a French model Peugeot XP6 50cc. I played with her all of my free time after school—the passion for riding entered me really fast, like two months after starting. Who’s the Stunt Attitude crew and what did you learn riding with them?
They are a small group of friends close to my home that made awesome videos that not only showed the bike but fun, friendship and passion. This team not only gave me a passion for bikes but the passion for video too!
You’ve had serious YouTube success, what’s the secret?
I’m really happy that my videos have good followers. I try to make them resemble my life, through my eyes. I like to share every moment and every image because good video is the reason I started stunt riding so I hope to get the same sentiment to other people.
Which video has been the most fun to create?
My favorite film at the moment is “World Training” because it showed how I live my life and I took great pleasure in editing it. I love editing and riding fifty-fifty.
You tend to film in controlled settings—what’s the wildest thing you’ve seen filmed on the street?
I’m still afraid by the video of “Street Fighter” on the road without a front wheel. It’s insane and all the crazy tricks with a real danger are awesome but for me the free ride is too dangerous so I stay in closed places.
What’s been your closest call?
I think I’m lucky because I’ve only had little crashes. The worst was a head to head with my friend Stunter13. A moment of inattention and bam, I went flying. My bike was completely destroyed and my legs were totally dislocated but one month later I was back so it really wasn’t that bad.
Who are your favorite pros?
I have a mix of favorite riders. No one especially, but I can say, Christian Pfeiffer for his style, Stunter13 for his spirit and amazing skills, A.C. Farias because he stays a god for me in this sport, Scary Gary because we can’t forget him and many others but the list is too long. I don’t have a favorite, but a mix.
How often are you practicing?
I don’t plan, I love to ride when I want, no stress, no training, only fun. Sometimes I ride everyday of the week and other times only once. It’s always different but when I ride for a new video it’s really intensive. If you practice for fun it’s not practice it’s a game.