Internationals Steal the Show in Cairns, Australia

CAIRNS, Australia – The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) returned to Cairns far north Queensland for the third annual Cairns Invitational. Brazilian Edmilson Goncalves, competing in Australia for the first time, walked away as the 2016 Cairns Invitational champion.

Goncalves was the only rider to go 3-for-3 on the night despite a technical malfunction on his final ride saw the buzzer sound before the official 8-second mark. His ride was confirmed upon review.

The bulls dominated the competition, as only six riders turned in qualified rides on the night.

Among those rides, Goncalves and Mick Ford both scored 81.75 points, while USA invite Skeeter Kingsolver turned in a 79.5-point ride.

Goncalves kicked off Round 2 with his second ride of the night, an 82-point trip aboard Brandenberg’s LA Ink. Fellow Brazilian Cristiano Cunhu followed suit with an 82.25-point ride to earn a spot in the championship round. Gustavo Pedrero, who returned to Cairns for the second time, held on for an 83.5-point aboard the classic bull Rango.

The championship round featured four cowboys drawn back in on time. In the bull draft, George Chong selected 2015 Champion Bucking Bull Gotcha Rockin, who bucked off Chong in just 1.56 seconds. Pedrero was the first to post a score in the short go with an 85.75-point ride on Blossom. Goncalves closed the night with an 86.25-point ride of Dunne’s Rebel Yell, the highest score of the night.

“Cairns has once again proved it has the ability to draw bull riding fans from around the nation,” PBR Australia General Manager Glen Young said. “Another sellout for the event moves us one step closer to expanding into two performances.”

The Cairns Invitational, one of six marquee Australian events, has quickly positioned itself as a signature event for domestic and international riders and bulls.

“Starting Monday we will begin work on the 2017 event which will return to July 8 to fit in with the Brisbane and Sydney event tour stops which will also assist with the logistics involved around these large projects,” Young said. “In addition to this we will be exploring with local stake holders to develop opportunities that will enhance the overall PBR Cairns experience, we are fortunate there is so much on offer in this tropical region so we need to capitalize on this.”

Event Results

1. Edmilson Goncalves (BRAZIL) – 250 points
2. Gustavo Pedrero (MEXICO) – 169.25 points
3. Cristiano Cunhu (BRAZIL) – 82.25 points
4. Mick Ford (Orange, NSW) – 81.75 points
5. Skeeter Kingsolver (USA) – 79.75 points