HIDALGO, Tx. – The last time Lindomar Lino found himself on Built Ford Tough Series dirt it was in March of this past year in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the Ty Murray Invitational. Since then, Lino has bounced around the globe hitting bull ridings across the United States and his native Brazil trying to work his way back to the PBR’s top-flight tour.
He took a step toward that goal Saturday night when he won Round 1 of the Real Time Pain Relief Velocity Tour event in Hidalgo, Texas, at State Farm Arena after an 88-point ride on New Life.
It was Lino’s first RVT round win since winning the championship round on his way to the event win at the Oakland, California, RVT event this past January.
“Thanks so much for PBR and all the American guys for supporting me here in the PBR,” Lino said with the help Alex Cardozo translating. “I’ve been really happy and glad to make points because I need every point to get on the tour.”
Lino has been on a bit of a run lately, he went 2-for-3 at the RVT event in New Town, North Dakota, and with his ride Saturday night is now 4-for-5 in his last two events.
The Anapolis, Brazil, bull rider finished last season 73rd in the world standings and went 29-for-88 at all levels of competition. He split time last season between the U.S. and Brazil where he rode at Americana and the famed Barretos bull riding event.
But Lino wants to make his name in the U.S. and become a stalwart on the BFTS. He has made his fair share of appearances, but has yet to stick. He feels that he has the talent to do it, though, and that his time will come.
To make that happen, he has to seize any opportunity that comes his way, and so far he has been making the most of the opportunities that have been put in front of him.
“These events are really important for the way to the Built Ford Tough and every point is big,” Lino said. “When I have a chance I’m going to try and make points so I can get back to the Built Ford Tough.”
Lino was one of three Brazilians to place in the Top 6 in Round 1.
Kaique Pacheco tied with Mike Lee for second place, while Rubens Barbosa and Cody Rodeo Tyler shared fourth place.
Pacheco, who made his 2017 debut in Hidalgo, looked like he had not missed a beat since his disappointing finish at the Built Ford Tough World Finals last month.
Pacheco made Slingshot look like a practice bull, covering for 87 points on his way to the second place finish.
Meanwhile, Lee, who has embarked on his 16th season of professional bull riding was quick to take a lap after his own 87-point trip aboard Hooey.
Barbosa covered Hot Stepper for 86.5 points for his first qualified ride since returning from Australia where he competed at the Brendon Clark Invitational and PBR Australia’s Iron Cowboy last month. Barbosa got revenge on his bovine counterpart, who had bucked him off in 7.25 seconds in Des Moines, Iowa in April.
He shared fourth place with Tyler who turned in his own 86.5-point ride on Hard Times.
Cody Ford rounded out the Top 6 after tallying 86 points aboard Red Solo Cup.
But the night belonged to Lino, who placed himself in prime position to win his first Velocity Tour event in almost a year.
It’s a huge opportunity that has been placed within reach for Lino, and he’s determined to take hold of it while he can and give his 2017 season an early boost.
I’m very dedicated. I’m training a lot and just coming to every event,” Lino said. “I’m going try and use every opportunity.”
Event Results
1. Lindomar Lino – 88 points
2. Kaique Pacheco – 87 points
Mike Lee – 87 points
4. Cody Rodeo Tyler – 86.5 points
Rubens Barbosa – 86.5 points
6. Cody Ford – 86 points
