Video: From Spinal Cord Injury to Becoming a Pro Rider - Remy Metailler Rides with Yannis Pele
Yannis Pele, from the South of France is a local shredder. The last few years he has worked on some really cool projects and he rides some of the prettiest trail of the region, but things were not always like that.
In 2016, at age 16 Yannis suffered of a terrible crash at a French Cup that left him paraplegic. At the time, I did not really knew him but the news definitely left an impact on the other rider and myself.
Fortunately with an incredibly strong mental, Yannis fought very hard to get back the use of his legs and I had the pleasure to ride with him in Whistler in 2019. A few years later we meet close to his home to ride Les Terres Grises, a mythic stage from the local enduro races, and then the World Enduro Series.
Find this trail on Trailforks: https://www.trailforks.com/trails/terres-grises/
Watch another video we did the same day:
Find this trail on Trailforks: https://www.trailforks.com/trails/chateauneuf-d-entraunes/
Follow Yannis and I: @yannis_pele and @remymetailler
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I have to say though: I have a permanent spinal cord injury and these kind of titles allways rub me the wrong way. Like your level of rehab or even return to the sport is dependant on how much you want it and effort you put in. It's not. It's pure luck, based on the extent of your injury. I have never met a young person not getting the fullest possible result out of rehab. The true heroic efforts come when rehab is done, an injury is permanent and you have figure out what version 2.0 of your life looks like. Kudos to this kid though! It's a horrifying experience for anyone, no matter the outcome.
P.s. f*ck Putin.