DENVER, Colo. (Jan. 13, 2025) — The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Velocity Tour has been part of the National Western Stock Show action in the Denver Coliseum and thrilled fans for years.
This year, action kicked off on Monday night with 45 of the PBR’s rising stars trying to make a qualified ride. Eleven of those competitors were successful and are now looking forward to another ride here on Wednesday. Among those was the final rider of the night, Cort McFadden from Novice, Texas, who won the title here a year ago.
McFadden was part of the fourth group of riders and was offered the opportunity for a re-ride when the bull he rode had an off day. His second attempt was the final ride of the night and his success on Flying S/Dozier Cattle Company’s bull Down to Fly put him in the driver’s seat. McFadden is in the lead in round one with 87 points.
There are 45 more riders who will compete here on Tuesday night and they will be hoping to add their names to the list of contestants that advance to Wednesday night’s semi-finals where 30 get a second opportunity. Then their scores are added together with the very best riding for the prestigious Denver Chute-Out championship.
The title here has often been a steppingstone for rider’s attempting to become among the world’s best that compete on the Unleash the Beast Tour. McFadden’s 2024 championship was worth over $20,000. He is hoping to add a second title in the Denver Coliseum to his resume on Wednesday.
Professional Bull Riders action continues here on Tuesday, Jan. 13, with 45 more contestants making their first attempt at an eight-second ride. It starts at 7 p.m.
About the National Western Stock Show — Established in 1906, the National Western Stock Show is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization that provides college and graduate level scholarships in agricultural-related fields of study. Its mission is to serve producers and consumers throughout the world by being the premier stock show, equestrian competitions, and center for year-round events. The 16-day show also serves as an entertainment arena, hosting one of the world’s richest regular season professional rodeos, family and educational shows plus Colorado’s largest western trade show. For more information, visit nationalwestern.com.
PROVIDED COURTESY OF SUSAN KANODE / NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW TO TENN TEXAS MEDIA
