Recortadores the latest craze in Spain

SPAIN'S latest craze is like a game of Russian roulette - but with agile athletes using bulls instead of bullets.

Recortadores

IT'S like a game of Russian roulette- but with bulls instead of bullets.

Known as the Recortadores, these modern day Spanish athletes are taking part in the ultimate game of chance - and all in the name of entertainment.

A bull-leaping tradition that goes back to 1500 BC, each year bull fighting teams from all over Spain descend upon the Plaza de Toros stadium in Valencia to battle in this daring competition.

During the non-violent contest, athletes have to dodge and leap over the rampaging bull without the use of the cape or sword.

Each Recortadores team is made up of between 5 and 7 members, who go head-to-head in a dangerous and skilful performance which can last up to four hours.

Teams can face as many as three bulls in the ring at any one time.

Spectators watch agonizingly through their fingers as the breath-taking action unfolds.

"As a spectator I was nervous not knowing what was going to happen and fearing the performers would be caught by a horn," Mery Alin Nuñez told the Daily Mail.

"There is a tense and expectant atmosphere in the air which makes this so exciting."

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