The bullfighters of Pamplona discover new and even less fair ways to torment the animals before they are killed

The 'recortadors' usually leap over the bulls tiring them out to make them easier to despatch later on by the matadors.

But in Pamplona this year they have taken to using poles to vault the beasts, a bizarre carousel and even quad-bikes to test their bovine stamina.

Earlier during the running of the bulls through the norther spanish city one man was gored and four injured, the Red Cross said.

Can't catch him: A quad-bike rider is chased by a wild cow at the bullring on the third day of the annual San Fermin festival in Pamplona

A quad-bike rider is chased by a wild cow during an exhibition of riding and acrobatic skills at the bullring on the third day of the annual San Fermin festival in Pamplona July 8, 2008. REUTERS/Eloy Alonso (SPAIN)

Hundreds of people and six fighting bulls, accompanied by steer, sprinted the half-mile route through cobblestone streets in just over two minutes, a relatively clean and fast run by San Fermin standards.

One Spaniard was gored in the thigh and treated at a city hospital, but was not in serious condition, the Red Cross said.

Four other Spaniards were treated for bruises.

Professional matadors fight, and invariably kill, the bulls each afternoon of the festival.
The fiesta, which ends July 14, is known also for its all-night street parties.

Tuesday's run used bulls from the southern Cebada Gago ranch, considered among the most dangerous in San Fermin.

Up and over: A "recortador" pole vaults over a wild cow

Round and round: Four recortadors hang on for dear life as they chased by a will cow

In 27 years, they have gored more than 35 people.

The last fatality from a goring was a 22-year-old American, Matthew Tassio, in 1995.

In 2003, a 63-year-old Pamplona native, Fermin Etxeberri, was trampled in the head by a bull and died after spending several months in a coma.

On Sunday, a 23-year-old Irishman died after falling from an ancient wall that encircles the old quarter of Pamplona.