Some of the most talented bull-riders in the business will arrive in town for the Australian debut of Professional Bull Riders’ (PBR) Iron Cowboy event on November 18 and 19.
Five of the best riders from the USA and Brazil will take to Townsville’s arena next weekend, including PBR World Finalist Nevada Newman (USA), USA’s come-back kid Matt Triplett, Brazil’s number 5 Rubens Barbossa and number 14 Edmilson Goncalves and the most successful Brazilian rider ever to compete on Australian soil, Cristiano Cunha.
PBR Australia’s General Manager Glen Young said the international showing – combined with Australia’s most exciting riders and Queensland’s toughest bulls – was sure to make for a high-octane, adrenaline-fuelled two nights at the Townsville Entertainment Centre.
“These guys are some of the most exciting athletes in the sport of bull riding right now – Newman made his PBR World Finals debut just last week and was a contender for Rookie of the Year, while Triplett had been a favourite for the World Title until he was injured,” said Mr Young.
These guys are some of the most exciting athletes in the sport of bull riding right now.
- Glen Young
“Remarkably, Triplett returned to competition a few weeks ago and in just 12 events he catapulted himself back up the standings and fell just shy of making the World Finals – most guys take 40 to 60 events to qualify for the Finals, so Triplett is definitely one to watch at Iron Cowboy and in next year’s World Title Race.
“There’s also a strong NQ fan base building for Goncalves after he took out the Cairns Invitational in March.”
Australia’s World Finalists Cody Heffernan, Fraser Babbington and Kurt Shepherd will also add to the thrills and spills of Iron Cowboy.
“This year, we celebrated the biggest showing of Aussies in the World Finals ever, with five ranked in the top 40.
“Lachlan Richardson has had a particularly good year and is the highest-ranked Aussie in the World Standings at number 16, however won’t be competing in Iron Cowboy after tearing his bicep on his last bull at the Finals,” said Mr Young.
“The Iron Cowboy format guarantees PBR fans will see the best riders around, whether they come for Friday night, Saturday night or both.
“Friday night will include the first elimination round for the series, as well as Australia’s first ever 15/15 Battle, which pits the top 15 riders against the top 15 bulls in the competition. The Battle is separate from Iron Cowboy, but will ensure Friday night’s fans will see how the toughest bulls match it against the best riders we’ve got.”
Tickets are on sale now at www.tec.net.au
