Racers brave rapids on sex dolls

Hurling yourself down river rapids can be a scary thing. That must be why a group of Russian thrill seekers bring along a stalwart companion when they do it — an inflatable sex doll.

Vladislav Pavlenko, riding “Vanilla Pelotki,” held off more than 450 fellow competitors to win the 2010 Bubble Baba Challenge on Saturday, according to the website for the St. Petersburg Times of Russia.

In the bawdy race, held every year on the Vuoksa River since 2003, racers use inflatable dolls purchased from sex shops as floatation devices. Competitors, who must be at least 16 years old, are required to pass a sobriety test prior to the race and wear protective gear.

Pavlenko, who finished with a time of 2 minutes, 47 seconds, was followed by Dmitry Arsentiev riding “Killer Whale” and Alexander Marasin, rider of “Fearless Zina” (2.55).

The Times also reports that the event operates under the motto, “A rubber babe is more than just a vehicle.”