THE MOST EXTREME MOTORCYCLE RACES ON THE PLANET

Forget WorldSBK. Forget MotoGP. If you motorcycle racing is about steely nerves (and balls) then these are the most extreme events in the world today

We all know motorcycle racers are a (fool)hardy bunch.

After all, few sports can claim to offer the same rush of adrenaline that comes with pinning the throttle, but then few sports will hurl you into the scenery if you get it wrong.

You need steely nerves as a minimum requirement to compete in series’ as MotoGP, WorldSBK and BSB but they are held in soft play centres compared to some of the most extreme two-wheel events around the world.

Safety standards have come on leaps and bounds over the years and while no event would take place if it was fundamentally lethal to compete, there are some that certainly fill more boxes on the risk-assessment form… 

Isle of Man TT – Snaefell Mountain Course

One of the most famous events in the world – motorsport or otherwise – the Isle of Man TT has been the annual jewel in the road racing crown since 1907, making it both steeped in history and firmly lodged in infamy.

The extremities of this event can be measured in two very polarising ways.

First there is the 130mph-plus average lap around the 37-mile Snaefell Mountain Course that threads through villages, terrifies grazing animals and even incorporates a leap of faith at Quarterbridge Road.