A variable valve actuation mechanism includes a control shaft and a rocker arm. A second end of the rocker arm is connected to the control shaft. The rocker arm carries a roller for engaging a cam lobe of an engine camshaft. A link arm is pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the first end of the rocker arm. An output cam is pivotally coupled to the second end of the link arm, and engages a corresponding cam follower of the engine. A spring biases the roller into contact with the cam lobe and biases the output cam toward a starting angular orientation.