#InCaseYouMissedIt: Moreira Wins First Event of his Career, World Champions Felled by Injuries and More
By: Darci Miller
Aaaaand we’re back! The 2021 Unleash The Beast: American Roots Edition kicked off this weekend in Ocala, Florida, and it was a couple of Brazilian youngsters starting the year off with impressive showings. Plus, two major world title contenders are already dealing with injuries, everyone enjoyed a trip to sunny Florida and a famous face was on hand for all the festivities. Miss a moment of the action this weekend? Here’s what happened around the PBR.
On the Unleash The Beast…
There’s a new name atop the 2021 world standings: Mauricio Moreira. The 21-year-old won the first Unleash The Beast of his career to start the season with a bang.
Moreira’s victory came on the back of his win in the first competition of the weekend, where his 2-for-2 performance earned him 130 world points.
Junior Patrik Souza won the second competition as a last-minute replacement in the draw, surging to No. 2 in the world standings.
Normally the Unleash The Beast begins each year in New York City. While Ocala was a bit of a departure from the norm, nobody was complaining about the palm trees.
Ridin Solo took an early lead in the YETI World Champion Bull race after 46- and 47-point scores to begin his season.
What do bull riders and NASCAR drivers have in common? According to 2004 NASCAR Cup Champion Kurt Busch, they both “have to be part nuts and an adrenaline junkie.”
Ocala, however, was not all fun and games, as both 2019 World Champion Jess Lockwood and 2020 World Champion Jose Vitor Leme walked away with injuries.
Leme broke his right ankle when he was bucked off by Dirty Sancho, and looks to avoid surgery and instead take eight weeks of recovery.
Lockwood, meanwhile, suffered a broken jaw and is meeting with Dr. Tandy Freeman to determine next steps.
Meanwhile, on the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour…
Leonardo Lima won the first Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour round of 2021 in Cedar Park…
…but it was J.T. Moore walking away with the event victory.
Through the lens with Andy Watson and BullStockMedia
Check out the best photos from day one and day two in Ocala.
Social spotlight
RIP, Mary Apper.
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Bull riding is a brotherhood.
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Mini Mauney alert!!!!
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Looking ahead
The 2021 Unleash The Beast: American Roots Edition stays in the Sunshine State for the PBR Arcadia Invitational on Jan. 23-24 (RidePass on Jan. 23-24 at 2 p.m. ET, and CBS Sports Network on Jan. 23 at 9 p.m. ET and Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. ET).
The Velocity Tour continues with the Greenville Invitational on Jan. 22-23 (RidePass on Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. ET and Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. ET).
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