December 18, 2023
Behind the Lens: Unleash The Beast Manchester 2024
When the fourth premier series event of the 2024 season concluded, it was none other than Brady Fielder who picked up his career-first UTB victory in Manchester, New Hampshire this past weekend. One of just three riders to post flawless 3-for-3 performances, Fielder began his perfect weekend with an 83-point conversion atop Tucker before doubling down on Saturday night in Round 2. Posting a quality 86.25-point strike dancing with Air Shift, he punched a ticket to his first short round of the season. Willing his way to victory courtesy of an event-high (and career-best-tying) 91-point go aboard UTZ BesTex Smokestack, the 24-year-old Australian skyrocketed to the No. 4 ranking after bringing home 135.33 UTB points and a check for $44,691.
Competing in his first even since September and recording his first qualified ride since April earlier in the 2023 calendar year, Kaique Pacheco quickly reminded fans around the world of just how talented he is. Beginning his perfect run in the opening round, he logged an 84.25-point score dancing with Squealin’ Cat to establish some early-event momentum. Turning up the heat just a bit in Round 2, Pacheco next bested One Man Gang to earn a spot in the short go, also the first of the season for the 2018 World Champion. Ending his return with a triumphant bang, Pacheco and Lapua teamed up for an 85.75-point score in Round 3, thus positioning the veteran for a second-place finish in his 2024 debut.
The final rider to go 3-for-3 now finds himself occupying the No. 2 spot in the world via his third Top 3 6 finish in as many attempts. Earning a welcome 78 UTB points for his third-place finish, Alan de Souza parlayed his 84.25-point out atop Gravy in Round 1 with an 83-point conversion aboard Trouble Maker in the second go. Entering his third-consecutive appearance in a short round this season, he was tasked with a Cy Young showdown. Matching the bovine’s every move, the 30-year-old veteran completed the event with an 85.25-point score to inch within 147.5 points of No. 1 Cassio Dias, who turned in an uncharacteristic 0-for-2 slate in Manchester.
Photos courtesy of Bull Stock Media
