SASKATOON – Some of the best in the business are in Saskatoon this weekend for the Pro Bull Riders (PBR) Canadian Finals.
After finishing as the bridesmaid three times in his professional bull riding career, Zane Lambert is hoping 2013 is the year he takes home the championship.
“I got a pretty good jump on everybody this weekend, so I think I might have it sealed, so it’s been a long time coming but left nothing to chance this year,” said Lambert.
This is the fourth year the championship is being held in Saskatoon and the first time the defending champ, Aaron Roy, won’t be competing.
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The three time Canadian champion suffered a fractured vertebra when he was bucked off and stepped on by a bull at the Calgary Stampede in July.
According to PBR event officials, despite the serious injury Roy will one day ride bulls again.
While Roy isn’t able to defend his national title, he will be in attendance and honoured in his home province at Credit Union Centre (CUC) on closing night.
“He’s a three time champion and all of our friend. It’s just tough to see but he’s still got a lot of things going, he’s walking, it could be a lot worse he could not be here with us right now,” said bull rider Tanner Byrne.
The “toughest sport on earth” travels all over Canada, making notable stops along the way but having finals in Saskatoon won’t change anytime soon.
“We have a lot of committees and communities that support with touring pro events throughout the year, so I don’t see a better fit for this event anywhere in the country then right here in Saskatoon,” said Event Producer Jason Davidson.
Australia’s Troy Wilkinson won the first round on Friday night and picked up the Boulet Boots/Bronco’s $2,500 bonus round cash.
The PBR Canadian Finals conclude on Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m. at CUC.
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