Lambert seeks a payday
By Woodard, Dale on March 5, 2020.
Dale Woodard
Lethbridge Herald
Zane Lambert is riding into Lethbridge on a roll.
The 2020 PBR Canada Monster Energy event will kick up the dust at the Enmax Centre Friday and Saturday.
As the veteran rider from Ponoka prepares for another thrilling showdown of man-versus-bull, Lambert does so on a bit of streak.
At the PBR stop in Calgary Jan. 15 the 33-year-old rider earned a fifth-place finish and $489 payday.
Last month, Lambert rode south of the border at the Winstar World Casino and Resort PBR Global Cup USA in Arlington, Texas, placing eighth with a payday of $12,357.
“So it’s not a bad start to the season and I’m looking for a good ride to keep it going. I’m coming in healthy. I took (last) weekend off so I’m ready to go,” said Lambert. “Coming off the Global I had a little bit of an elbow issue … I’m ready to go for Lethbridge.”
After his Texas trek, the Alberta rider returns to his home province and the southern stop that has become a regular part of his schedule throughout his career.
“It’s one of the best stops we have all year,” said Lambert, who is ranked 111th in the world. “It’s two days, so it’s always good to kick off the season there. I love the crowd there. We always fill the house in Lethbridge. I’m looking forward to another big event. It’s an annual thing for me, I come there every year. So I’m looking forward to some good draws. I’m coming down (today) and I’ll be there through Sunday.”
The Lethbridge stop has produced mixed results for Lambert.
“It’s been up and down,” he said. “Some years I come out of there with nothing and some years I’ve come up with some victories. In the big picture, I don’t think I’ve ever gotten the buckle there. So I’m looking forward to that still.”
A PBR Canadian champion in 2013 and 2017, Lambert is one of two multi-championship riders.
He’d like to complete the hat trick.
“I’m trying to get momentum and definitely win the bonus at the end of the year,” said Lambert. “It’s a long season, but that’s the goal. There will probably be about 70 bulls or more, probably not that many in one association, but it will be a long season to see how it all comes together. But the goal is definitely trying to win that title here in Canada. I’m not worried about travelling too much further than that. I’m pretty happy with sticking up here and trying to hit most of Canada.”
That, and staying healthy, a challenge that is always presented to anyone making their living getting on bulls.
“It’s the sport about it,” said Lambert. “You have to stay in shape and eat healthy and stay on top of the game. But it’s a full-time job for us, so you try to stay healthy. It’s a long journey and it’s fine if you do it for years and years you kind of get a rhythm.”
It’s a rhythm that has landed Lambert two Canadian titles.
“Those are great,” he said. “Those are awesome experiences to get those and I will have those moments for the rest of my life. But I’m going for another one, so three would be great.”
As for his bull-riding shelf life, Lambert will give that more consideration once his mid-30s officially roll around.
“I’m getting closer to that 35 mark, that’s what I’m always shooting for,” he said. “So we’ll see when that day comes around whether I keep going after that. Each season is long and I’m still two years away. You just kind of keep the gas pedal down and not worry about that. I’m not thinking about the end, just keep doing what I’m doing.”
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