Thrill-seeker is smacked in the face by pigeon as he rides 122mph rollercoaster

AN ADRENALINE junkie trying Europe’s fastest and tallest rollercoaster was hit in the face by a PIGEON during his 112mph ride.

The thrill-seeker was left with blood on his face after being whacked by the unlucky bird as he enjoyed the Red Force vertical accelerator at Ferrari Land near Barcelona, Spain.

At first he didn’t appear to realise what had hit him just 12 seconds into the ride.

But a split-second later he looked down at his left shoulder to see the bird lying there as it appeared to be held in place by gravity.

It was not immediately clear whether the pigeon was dead or alive when he managed to brush it off.
The video footage shows him bleeding from a small cut to his right cheek.

After turning to a friend sat beside him - who had missed the action because he had his eyes closed - he carried on with raised hands as if nothing had occurred.

The bizarre incident took place Thursday as 1,500 thrill-seekers attended the grand opening of the Ferrari Land theme park, the third to open at PortAventura World Parks & Resort which is around an hour from Barcelona.

The 40ft-high Red Force accelerator lets people experience the same sensations felt by Formula 1 drivers as it hits speeds of 112mph in just five seconds.

Riders are shot into the air by the rollercoaster before plummeting back down at a maximum 90 degree angle.

It outstrips the UK’s tallest rollercoaster - Blackpool’s The Big One - by more than 100 feet.

The theme park where it is star attraction pays homage to the Italian brand it is named after and its iconic red cars.

Other attractions include Racing Legends, a simulator which allows visitors to drive a Ferrari through the streets of Rome, along famous racing circuits or through imaginary futuristic scenes.

One social media user joked after watching the footage: "This is what happens when you stick your head out of the cockpit."