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Ponoka bull rider wins CPRA opener in Red Deer

Ponoka bull rider Zane Lambert is aiming for the Canadian Finals Rodeo and Calgary Stampede this year.
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Ponoka bull rider Zane Lambert is aiming for the Canadian Finals Rodeo and Calgary Stampede this year.

After a winter break to allow himself time to heal up and concentrate on other things like ice fishing and skiing, Lambert was ready to get back at what he does best – riding rip-snortin’ bulls.

“I had a good break,” Lambert said, “but it’s full on now so I felt like I was really ready going into Red Deer.”

The result was a solid two ride performance at the Rebel Energy Services Xtreme Bulls event, which kicked off the 2018 Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) calendar season Feb. 18, in Red Deer.

The Manitoba native collected 172.5 points for the win, and a tidy $3,756 payday.

“I had a young Lindsay Carlier (X-6 Ranch) bull called Midnight Rain, and he hadn’t been ridden yet,”said the 2013 PBR Canada Champion. “I got around the corner on him, and he felt really good. I was happy to still be there at eight seconds.”

The win, coupled with his second place finish at Regina’s Agribition Rodeo this past November, provides a boost for Lambert who intends to make the Canadian Finals Rodeo a major priority this year.

The Central Alberta resident is looking forward to having CFR in Red Deer this year because it’s close to home.

“The city and the Westerner really wanted it and I think they’ll do a great job putting it on. I’m excited about it and I sure would like to be part of the first one here in 2018,” he said.

He is looking at a schedule including the tour rodeos and bigger events on the CPRA calendar as well as a pretty full slate of PBR bull ridings including the Global Cup in June in Australia.

“A guy has to do both,” said Lambert. “I have to go where the money is and to the places that give me the most enjoyment—I’m hoping that’s the CFR and the Calgary Stampede.”

Next up on the CPRA schedule is the Chad Besplug Invitational Bull Riding Feb. 24 in Claresholm.

Submitted by Canadian Professional Rodeo Association