This video compilation might start slowly but, boy, does the action ramp up as you watch.

Downhill Mountain Bike Action Will Have You Shutting Your Eyes in Terror

OK, so I know this is meant to be about motorbikes, but some of the action in this compilation of mountain bike downhill racing is terrifying.

The first one is pretty lame, although I suspect I might feel different if I was standing a the top myself. The one through the forest is good but it's when it gets to the snow, town and mountain that things really heat up.

The speeds on snow are just insane and it's clear there's not a lot of grip! Through the town and the split-second timing needed is incredible. I know they get to walk the course beforehand but how do you remember it all? The opportunities for serious injury are absolutely everywhere yet it doesn't stop the rider going as fast as he possibly can. This section of the video more that the others shows there mountain bikers to be on a completely different level to MX or enduro riders.

Then we get to the mountain downhill and the commitment needed to make sure you don't simply die by slamming into a solid wall of rock, not to mention the balls you have to have to ride off a vertical cliff, had me wincing in terror.

I needed a good sit down after watching that.