Meet the Riders - Adriano Moraes

"I came from nothing. Everything I have came from riding bulls."

FACT FILE

Born: April 20th 1970
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 13 stone (84 kilos)
Home: Cachoeira Paulista, Brazil
Years Riding Pro: 11
Career Earnings: $1,890,431.19
Current Standing: 1st (statistics as of November, 2005)

At 35, Adriano Moraes is a Brazilian bull-riding legend. He is also devoted to his faith, his family and his country. Perhaps more than anyone, Adriano knows how much he stands to lose each time he climbs on the bull.

Of the three riders featured in Rodeo World, Adriano is consistently the highest in the rankings, but he'll also be the first to say that you're only as good as your last ride. All the buckles in the world can't keep him on the bull; he counts on his faith and his skill to do that.

Adriano is determined to give back to the sport that he feels has given him so much. He scouts up-and-coming Brazilian riders, serving as a mentor, coach, father-figure and fan.

Adriano frequently travels to his sprawling ranch in Brazil, where he's a national superstar.