AIRDRIE, Alta. – Cody Coverchuk surged up the PBR Canada national standings with a runner-up finish in Brooks, Alberta, followed by his second consecutive Rose City Invitational title this two weekends ago.
Known for hot starts in past seasons, the two-time PBR Canada Champion has taken a new approach in 2025—shifting focus to health, fitness and consistency, in pursuit of a third national title. After a lackluster start to the season, his success in early May signals a change in pace for the ‘CC Rider.'
While some might call his early season pace a slump, Coverchuk sees it as part of the process, adjusting to changes made behind the scenes.
“I’ve been really leaning on my girlfriend McKenzie a lot,” he said. “She keeps reminding me I’ve been putting in the work, so it’s going to pay off. Bull riding’s one of those sports where sometimes you just don’t draw the right bulls. They might be good bulls, just not the right fit for you that day. There are so many variables.”
“It’s been tough, but I’ve stayed positive. I’ve been working hard during the week, surrounding myself with the right people. I’ve got a solid support team behind me, and that keeps me motivated.”
One of the biggest changes Coverchuk made this year was committing to strength training. He’s gained approximately 25 pounds of muscle—a transformation that took some getting used to in the arena.
“I’m kind of a late bloomer, so I had to catch up,” Coverchuk said. “I’ve been going to Acumen Performance at least twice a week. I’ve met some great people through it, and I feel a lot healthier.”
“I’ve put on about 25 pounds since last year. It was an adjustment learning to ride with that extra weight, but now it’s all coming together. Physically, I feel great—like I’m 18 again.”
The 31-year-old’s back-to-back performances in Brooks and Camrose two weekends ago seem to confirm it. After finishing second in Brooks behind event winner and current standings leader Jake Gardner, Coverchuk claimed top honors again at the Rose City Invitational—momentum that may signal a turning point in his season.
“Bull riding is all about momentum,” Coverchuk said. “Once you get that ball rolling, it’s an awesome feeling. You can show up, trust your body, and not overthink it. But it goes the other way too—when you’re in a slump, you start thinking too much. It definitely feels good to be on the upside of it now.”
In Brooks, Coverchuk initially picked reigning PBR Canada Bull of the Year Grand Funk in the short round, but the bull stumbled out of the chute, resulting in a re-ride. He was then matched with Nansen Vold’s Whiskey at Noon and made the most of the opportunity, scoring 88.5 points to claim second place.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect from that bull, but he turned out to be great. That was one of my better rides in a long time,” he said.
Returning to Camrose as the defending champion also gave Coverchuk an extra boost.
“It definitely makes the walk in a little easier,” the 31-year-old said. “But I try not to think about it too much. People say they’ve never done well at certain places—I don’t want to be one of those people. Every year is different. I won Camrose last year and this year, but who knows about next year.”
With events upcoming in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario, Coverchuk has structured his travel to maintain his current fitness routine.
“I’ve set things up so I’ll be home between events. I’m flying in and out for London, Ottawa and the others out east. I’m in a good routine, and I don’t want to break it,” Coverchuk said.
Gardner’s recent win in Broks extended his lead at the top of the standings. For the past three seasons, Coverchuk, Nick Tetz and Dakota Buttar have been the main contenders. Seeing a new face take over the top spot is motivation for Coverchuk.
“Jake’s focused on the rodeo side the last few years chasing the NFR, but I knew if he committed to PBR Canada, he’d be right there,” Coverchuk said.
“I don’t know if he’s ever been No. 1 in Canada before, but he’s riding great. He told me in Brooks he’s excited to chase that PBR Canada title. If he’s in the mix, everyone’s going to have to have their riding britches on. He’s consistent and can ride all kinds of bulls.”
Next up, PBR Canada heads to Dauphin, Manitoba on May 22 for a single-night Touring Pro Division event, followed by a two-night PBR Canada Cup Series stop in Brandon on May 23-24.
“Buy your tickets. Two nights of action-packed, fireworks, wild bulls and good bull riders,” said Coverchuk.
“You’re going to see the best— not just in Canada, but the world. Get your tickets before they’re gone.”
The bull riding action for PBR Canada Cup Series’ Mazergroup Chute Out, begins at 7:00 p.m. CST on both Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the Westoba Place at the Keystone Centre Box Office and online at Ticketmaster.ca.
Photo courtesy of Covy Moore/CovyMoore.com