Have you actually watched it Dela? I thought the same until I actually watched it (because of the Brit girl who is world class in it) and you really do have to take your hat of to these guys... its dangerous high octane and incredibly difficult. You can tell that within seconds of watching it. And I just watched the females not the males which I'm sure is even more dangerous etc... hence the helmets - go have a look using the link I supplied I bet you'll change your mind.
Yes, we did. I and some of my co-workers watched both the men's and women's events. That's why we thought it was ridiculous. As for, 'incredibly difficult', eh, I'll reserve judgment on that. I see 13 year olds doing it every day. And yes, hey, the little kids also crash and fall off their bikes every day as well. Only they don't have helmets or pads.
Sorry, I see nothing spectacular, high octane or particularly dangerous about it.