As PBR's Unleash The Beast bucks into Sioux Falls' Denny Sanford Premier Center March 31-April 2 during the 18th event of the 2023 Unleash The Beast campaign, PBR.com is highlighting some of the series’ latest winners, top competitors and beyond as Unleash The Beast rages on!
COLTEN CONQUERS THE PIT: Colten Fritzlan got his second career event win in Albuquerque, New Mexico, last weekend, and the first of 2023, propelling him to No. 20 in the Unleash The Beast standings. The Missouri Thunder star went 2-for-3, lasting the 8 atop Pearl’s Ghost for 87.25 points in Round 1 before dancing with Prime Tested for 85 points in Round 2. Holding the lead heading into the championship round, the Colorado native chose UTZ BesTex Smokestack, but the bulls took over in the final round, as they bucked off all 12 riders, leaving Fritzlan the winner. Former PBR World Champion Kaique Pacheco was hot on Fritzlan’s spurs, as the Ice Man posted an 84.5-point ride atop Tested’s Viper in Round 1, and then pushed into second with an 86.75-point romp atop Kevin in Round 2. Unfortunately for the Brazilian, Kid Knapper was able to oust him just a split second before the whistle in the championship round. Fritzlan is paired with God Bless America in Round 1 on Friday, while Pacheco, seeking his third win in the Queen City, matches up with Soul King in Round 1
SIDELINED LEME REMAINS NO. 1: While unable to compete for the second straight week due to injury, Jose Vitor Leme remains atop the Unleash The Beast standings for the eighth consecutive week, 61.5 points ahead of Kaique Pacheco in the Unleash The Beast standings. In his last outing in New Orleans, Louisiana, Leme posted his second consecutive third place finish, going 2-for-3. After hanging onto Hog Wild for 72.5 points in Round 1, he rode Bread Basket in Round 2 for an impressive 88.5 points, but was bucked off by Fastfire, the second-ranked bull in the world, in the championship round. The previous weekend in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Leme went 2-for-3 to finish third, his first top-three finish since winning in Sacramento, California. While the pack isn't sure when Leme will return, they'd be wise to get the points while they can, as the No. 1 ranked rider will surely come back hungry and ready to compete at the 2023 World Finals
For all of the statistics, stories and standings heading into this weekend's PBR First Premier Bank/Premier Bankcard Invitational, presented by Cooper Tires, be sure to check out this week's Game Notes and stay tuned to PBR.com and PBR social media channels!
Photo courtesy of Josh Homer/Bull Stock Media