Novais Wins Pueblo TPD Event

PUEBLO, Colo. – On a night where the bull power was dominant, Fernando Novais emerged victorious at the Southwest Motors Event Center Thursday night.

Novais was the only rider to go a perfect 2-for-2 at the Touring Pro Division event, riding Cowboy Spot for 79 points in Round 1 and closing the night with an 81-point trip aboard Geronimo in the championship round. He picked up 60 points toward the world standings for the win.

He will try and take that momentum with him out west to the Real Time Pain Relief Velocity Tour where he will compete at the Frontier Communications Chute Out in Portland, Oregon, on Saturday night.

Novais, who is competing in the United States after spending 2016 in Brazil, was ecstatic after the event and dedicated the win to his family back in Brazil.

“After leaving my family, I have been thinking of them,” Novais said through a translator. “They give me a lot of strength to compete over here and thinking of them has kept me motivated.”

Like most Brazilian bull riders competing in the United States, Novais also credited the Brazilian contingent that he has been travelling with on the Velocity Tour. Lindomar Lino and Luciano De Castro also competed in Pueblo and cheered Novais on.

“Being here with all the Brazilians is like being here with my family,” Novais said. “We’re all a brotherhood. We take care of each other. We stick together, and we’re all a team.”

Matt Werries came in second place. He rode Chief for 84.5 points to win Round 1, but was bucked off by Wonder Flyer in the championship round. Werries earned 30 points toward the world standings for his effort.

Kyle Jones also went 1-for-2 Thursday and finished in third. He covered High Pockets for 84 points in Round 1, but was bucked off by Sketchy Bob in the championship round. Jones picked up 20 points toward the world standings.

Josh Frost and Justin Paton tied for fourth, earning 12.5 points each toward the world standings, and Thad Newell rounded out the Top 6 in Pueblo.

Novais currently sits at 36^th in the Velocity Tour standings heading into Portland and is hoping to keep things rolling one he arrives in the Pacific Northwest. He fully believes he can reach the illustrious Built Ford Tough Series and has dedicated himself to the task.

“I have to keep my focus and keep working out,” Novais said. “I have to keep killing a lion every day. I’m going to Portland this weekend, but I want to be on the Built Ford Tough where the best bull riders in the world are.”

Professional Bull Riders Touring Pro Division
Jan. 12 Pueblo, Colorado
Event Results
1. Fernando Henrique Novais, 160
2. Matt Werries, 84.5
3. Kyle Jones, 84
4. Josh Frost, 81
4. Justin Paton, 81
6. Thad Newell, 70