Strong Performance

Vitor Losnake emerged as a breakout star last season, going 7-for-18 (38%) during his first elite-level experience in the PBR. Although he faced some challenges on the Unleash The Beast this season, with a 4-for21 (19%) record, he remains an essential asset for the Ridge Riders. Keyshawn Whitehorse, with a 5-for-18 (27%) record last season, is also expected to raise his game and contribute to the team’s success.

Chase Dougherty, dealing with injuries, competed in just one event for Arizona last year, going 0-for-3. However, he showed promise, finishing strong in the 2023 UTB season, with one event win and two other top-10 finishes in the last four events of the regular season.

Adding to their strength, the acquisition of Colten Fritzlan from the Missouri Thunder is expected to bolster the team’s performance. Fritzlan, with a 5-for-20 (25%) record for the Thunder last season, ended the 2023 UTB season ranked No. 18.

Joining them are new Ridge Riders: Colten Fritzlan, Jeff Askey, Jesse Petri, Nick Tetz, Guilherme Valleiras, Davi Henrique de Lima, Levi Gray General manager Casey Lane is optimistic about their team energy, camaraderie, and well-defined roles within the group. This sense of unity was instrumental in their success, as manager Colby Yates attests. Before each outing, the team holds a powerful talk led by technical coach Paulo Crimber, followed by a strong prayer led by Luciano de Castro, which further cements their bond.

Luciano de Castro stood out as the Ridge Riders’ top performer last season, impressively going 18-for-35 (51%) and finishing fourth in the MVP race. He concluded the season with a remarkable 91.25-point ride on Chateau Montelena’s Montana Jacket in the championship game in Las Vegas.

Eduardo Aparecido also contributed significantly, securing eighth place in the MVP race with a 16-for-25 (64%) record. His performance in the championship game, riding Pickle Moonshine for 91.5 points, further exemplified his prowess.

With a formidable duo of Castro and Aparecido, the Ridge Riders boast a potent 1-2 punch. Ranked No. 19 and No. 11, respectively, in the 2023 Unleash The Beast season, they are a force to be reckoned with.

Moreover, the Ridge Riders boast an impressive reserve roster, featuring reigning PBR Canada Champion Nick Tetz and Jesse Petri, both of whom have shown great potential in their performances.

The Arizona Ridge Riders, with their roster of proven performers and newfound depth, have the potential to make a championship run. Fans eagerly anticipate their upcoming season, starting at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 24-25 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where they will compete against the Oklahoma Freedom and Carolina Cowboys. Their own PBR Ridge Rider Days event on Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, will see them face off against the Stampede, Thunder, and Freedom.