Vieira Defeats Pacheco for PBR Brazil Iron Cowboy Title
By: Justin Felisko
June 18, 2018
Joao Ricardo Vieira won the 2018 PBR Brazil Iron Cowboy. Photo: PBR Brazil.
PUEBLO, Colo. — Joao Ricardo Vieira is the only rider in PBR history to win the PBR’s premier series Iron Cowboy multiple times, and the two-time Iron Cowboy American champion now has a Brazilian Iron Cowboy title under his belt.
Vieira defeated world leader Kaique Pacheco on Sunday night at the PBR Brazil Iron Cowboy event in Americana, Sao Paulo.
Neither rider made a qualified ride in the championship round, but Vieira lasted a tad bit longer – 6.73 seconds on Herdeiro — than Pacheco – 5.28 seconds on Maroquinha – for the victory.
“I knew I would only have one chance and fought until the bull threw me to the ground,” Vieira told PBR.com via Whatsapp. “The bull that Kaique rode in the final, I rode him two weeks ago. He is a very good bull to the right. I thought that Kaique would ride him easily for 90 points.”
Instead, Pacheco surprisingly bucked off and Vieira was able to win another prestigious Iron Cowboy title.
Vieira won the 2014 & 2015 Iron Cowboy championships on the PBR’s premier series at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The 33-year-old went 1-for-3 in the bracket-style event this weekend in Brazil after earning a first-round bye with a 2-for-2, fourth-place finish at the Americana qualifier Friday night.
Vieira then eliminated Danilo Torres in the second round by riding Carcamano for 88.25 points. He then advanced to the finals by lasting 6.07 seconds on Promotor, while Junio Quaresima was bucked off in 3.4 seconds by Mexicano.
“I like this format,” Vieira said. “It makes me feel strong because it requires a lot of concentration and physical conditioning. It is a very special (victory) because the bulls favored the competitors that ride with the right hand.”
Pacheco was flawless until his final buckoff.
The world No. 1 bull rider had ridden 13 consecutive bulls dating back to Last Cowboy Standing on May 4.
Pacheco unofficially earned 90 world points at the two Americana events this weekend to extend his world lead to 329.17 points over No. 2 Claudio Montanha Jr.
He finished the qualifier in sixth-place for 20 world points with 84.25 points on Reflexo and 83.75 points on Caca Rolo.
The 23-year-old made some impressive rides during Iron Cowboy.
Pacheco eliminated Joao Marcelo with 87.25 points on Tirano in Round 1. He then rode Tucuma for 76.25 points to knock out Pablo Assuncao in Round 2. Pacheco advanced to the Finals with 89.5 on Moscou and eliminated Fernando Novais (87.75 points).
“Kaique is the best cowboy in the world,” Vieira said. “He is one of the new cowboys and I think he is more complete and perfect to ride.
Vieira unofficially earned 120 world points for the victory, as well as 35 points from the qualifier, and moves up to No. 23 in the world standings.
The 2013 Rookie of the Year has had a disastrous 2018 on the 25th PBR: Unleash The Beast and finished the first half 9-for-42.
Vieira’s 21.43-percent riding average is the worst of his career, and it is very far off his career average of 43.1 percent.
The six-year pro revealed Monday he struggled this year trying to compete with distension (swelling) in both his riding hand (left) and his right knee.
Vieira sprained his hand in February attempting to ride After Midnight in Kansas City, and he torn ligaments in his knee back in Brazil in December.
“I had some physical problems,” Vieira said. “Yes (I feel better now). In Brazil, I am doing good. I want to be (healthy) for the second half of the season and ride well.”
Follow Justin Felisko on Twitter @jfelisko
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