At just 5’5″ and 144 pounds, Latin American cyclist Angelo Del Monaco has been dazzling international audiences for 28 years with death-defying feats.
Last Sunday he set out to break his own world record by withstanding the pressure of 100 motorcycles riding over his body in seven minutes.
“I am so happy I was able to do this, and am grateful for the support I’ve received from community,” said Del Monaco, who lives in West New York.
This historic event took place at the motorcycle parts shop Pit Stop at 5401 Tonnele Ave. in North Bergen.
It brought the local media, as well as a slew of curious onlookers, including his children Angelo, 13, and Izabella, 5.
“I’m so happy for him, and I feel very proud at this moment,” said Angelo, 13.
“I just want to give a special thanks to Dennis Vasquez, owner of Pit Stop, for allowing me to utilize this space, and to the riders and all the guys in my unit for helping me,” said Del Monaco. “Without you I couldn’t do this.”
Record A native of Ecuador, Angelo Del Monaco is five-time world record-holding cyclist. Two of his records have been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
This latest stunt doesn’t fall into any category of the Guinness Book, but representatives of Ripley’s Believe it or Not have shown interest in possibly acquiring his clothes from Saturday for their museum’s display. “I was stunned,” Del Monaco said. “I asked, are you sure you want me?”
Road to glory So how does a person get started in this line of work?
“It’s all Evel Knievel’s fault,” said Del Monaco. “Over 20 years ago I remember watching the movie Viva Knievel, and then that same week I remember my father taking me to the circus.”
After watching some of the acrobatic feats and inspired by the death defying stunts of famed motorcycle stuntman Knievel, Del Monaco thought, “This is seems to be for me.”
Born in Quaquil, Ecuador, Del Monaco remembers being an outcast in his neighborhood.
“Everyone in my neighborhood beat me at everything and made fun of me because I was so skinny,” said Del Monaco.
However, while the neighborhood kids spent their days playing soccer or chasing girls, Del Monaco would go to the park and practice stunts while racing his bicycle.
“It was a force that came over me because I felt humiliated and outcast,” said Del Monaco. “I wanted to show everyone I was a man.”
At the age of 15, Del Monaco attempted his first stunt, which was televised by Ecuavisa, Ecuador’s television network. He gathered everyone from the neighborhood to watch.
“I went to the tallest part of the hill and flew over two cars,” said Del Monaco. “Afterwards the entire town encircled and embraced me. I became their hero.”
From then on, his stunts only grew more daring, and he became a powerful spokesperson for the youth, participating in anti-drug campaigns, among other things.
He also began to travel around Ecuador performing his stunts, which eventually led to performances all over South America.
For the good on mankind As the years went by, the glory of fame was no longer enough for Del Monaco. He wanted people to benefit from his performances, so he began participating in more charitable works.
“I give with my whole heart, and I just want to win a place in heaven so I can one day be with my wife,” said Del Monaco, who lost his wife Maria Isabel a few years ago.
In collaboration with UNICEF, last weekend’s latest endeavor was used to raise funds to help abused and neglected children around the world.
“I cannot stand to see children mistreated,” said Del Monaco. “I want to unite with authorities and use my positive image for campaigns against child abuse.”
Each of the riders in the event was asked to make a $10 donation, and a very generous donation was also given by Del Monaco’s main sponsor.
“I have a great sponsor in Jesus Delgado, president of Reina Del Mar (Queen of the Sea) tuna from Ecuador, who have also created their own foundation for abused kids,” said Del Monaco.
Getting ready Preparations for this event had been going on for the last six months.
“First there is a spiritual preparation, and then comes the physical and mental preparation,” said Del Monaco. “I have so much faith in God, and if he has allowed me to get to this point, then he approves of what I’m doing.” It was only two years ago that Del Monaco first set a record of 91 motorcycles rolling over his stomach in 11 minutes. This time, he wanted to surpass that.
Del Monaco followed a strict workout regime encompassing abdominal work, strengthening his chest and stomach, stair climbing, and of course, bike riding.
“I also love to meditate in front of the ocean,” said Del Monaco. “I invoke the spirit of my wife, who I know is always with me. She was my number one fan, which is why I’m dedicating this to her memory and to all the children of the world.”
Del Monaco also wanted to take this opportunity to publicly apologize to his mother.
“I know she gets very scared by what I do,” said Del Monaco. “I want to say I’m sorry and tell her it was never my intention to make her suffer. I just want to help people.”
Don’t try this at home As a quick reminder, these stunts are performed by trained professionals and should not be attempted. Putting aside pre-show jitters and focusing on the task at hand, Del Monaco prepared to reach another world record.
With only a 16-foot by 3.5-foot panel and waistbands protecting him, Del Monaco had to withstand a combined weight between 600 to 800 pounds per bike. The cycles quickly traveled over his stomach, one after the other.
“It’s a lot of mental concentration,” he said. “If you control your breathing, you can hold the pressure.”
As the roaring motorcycles raced across the panel, the crowd could be heard counting down the bikes as they tried to reach their goal. On the seventh minute, the final bike came across, and all that was heard was the resounding applause of the crowd.
Del Monaco leapt up in victory and wept for joy, and was embraced by his children and friends.
“I love my daddy,” said Izabella, 5.
Very exhausted yet still emotionally exhilarated, Del Monaco said, “I just want to thank everyone for their support; my mother, my children, friends, and my Lord Jesus Christ, for he was with me. Next I will tackle the tunnel of fire! Que viva toda mi gente!”