The Summer Run Starts in May for PBR Canada’s Finest

AIRDRIE, Alta. – The month of May is a busy one for PBR Canada.

With a torrid schedule of PBR Canada Cup Series events throughout Manitoba and Ontario on the horizon in June, May presents riders a five-event run that will set the tone for the 2024 season.

Most often the PBR Canada Champion comes down to one ride at the conclusion of the season, so being able to pad your stats and accumulate points early is always advantageous.

In 2023, a new event hit the schedule: The Koye Larsen Memorial PBR in Brooks, Alberta. The event is held in memory of Kinky Bucking Bulls’ Kyle Larsen’s late son who was killed in a car accident along with his mother Darsey in 2022. The inaugural event was won by 2017 PBR Canada Rookie of the Year Coy Robbins.

“What an event, and what a sad story,” Robbins said. “To be able to hold that buckle up last year was incredibly special for me, and in turn it gained me a great relationship in the Larsen family. I got to know them a lot more after that last year, what great people.”

“All those memorial events, they hold more value to you. Same with the Colby Cave Memorial in North Battleford. I was lucky enough to win that one in 2022, and that is a very special buckle on the shelf as well.”

The event was packed last season, with the Brooks Centennial Regional Arena filled to the brim with both supporters of the Larsen family and the sport oveall. This season's edition of the Koye Larsen Memorial will be held May 10. Tickets are available at the door.

The schedule then continues with a growing list of Tier 1 PBR Canada Touring Pro Division events with the Rose City Invitational in Camrose, Alberta on May 11.

The event is the brainchild of Robbins himself.

Along with business partner Geoff Turnquist, the pairing has brought both increased money and points to this sold-out Saturday night classic.

“The tier ones changed the game in PBR Canada. They are scattered across the year with lots of money to be won. But more importantly are all those points a guy can win,” Robbins said.

“It makes it an interesting race with more of those on the schedule. Lots can change in the standings; things can change quickly. They are very important to do well at.”

The event held at Encana Arena has been a capacity affair two years in a row, and that is expected to continue in 2024. According to Robbins, the stress of producing the event pairs well with the excitement to crack the first latch.

"As for the Rose City, we are gearing up fast. Lots of stress, lots of excitement is in the air. I am looking forward to it. The city has been super supportive again this year. It will be one hell of an event.”

The Rose City Invitational takes place May 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at local Lammle’s Western Wear stores and online.  

One week later is the sophomore iteration of 8 Seconds at The Ridge, a resort hosted PBR in Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan.  

With great spectator turnout, the event is hosted at the Elk Ridge Resort in Northern Saskatchewan and offers visitors a gorgeous 18-hole golf course, amongst many other resort amenities alongside the two-night PBR.

In the inaugural 8 Seconds at the Ridge, Blake Smith and Nick Tetz tied for the nightly top honors.

For nine-time PBR Canada event winner Robbins, getting into the swing of four to six bulls every weekend is key heading into the summer months. But getting a head start on the standings is even more important.

“It’s good to get that early jump in your season and with some of the money up at these Touring Pro events, that can help a guy accomplish that,” he said.

8 Seconds at the Ridge will be held May 18-19, and tickets are still available.

The last of the Touring Pro Division events held before the Cup Series concludes the month-long campaign of events in Brandon, Manitoba on May 25, is the Mazergroup PBR in Dauphin, Manitoba.

While the Dauphin event is new to the schedule, Crossfire Bull Riding brings the PBR brand to the province annually, replacing its event traditionally held in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Immediately following Dauphin is the PBR Canada Cup Series stop in Brandon with a three-event four-night stand in Ontario the following two weeks.

Be sure to stay tuned to PBRCanad.com and follow PBR Canada on all social media platforms for the latest.