WATCH: The rides that took Aaron Kleier to number one
Clermont cowboy flying the CQ flag ahead of the Australian Titles in Sydney
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RODEO: Those who don't know Clermont's Aaron Kleier see a shy cowboy, performing acts that should be too big for his boots.
They see this supremely talented kid just quietly going about his business.
Unnoticed are the hours of training, the daily sacrifices and radar-like focus that allows him to take on the mammoth bulls of the PBR scene.
Talking about her second eldest, mum Julie says there's an inner cheek few see, a prankster, a knockabout country kid.
From Julie and Fred's 22,662ha property Luxor Station, Kleier grew up idolising the clowns of the rodeo world, not the daring cowboys like most kids his age.
"When he was little he thought he was going to be a protection athlete, he just wanted to be the clown and help the rider," Julie laughed.
"He would always muck around with the poddys and I guess it was just fun for him.
"He really is a quiet achiever. But he has got a cheeky side when you get to know him. He is full of pranks too.
"But we have seen his real dedication, it can be boring to stay so focused but he works hard.
"It wasn't until he got to St Brendan's College where he really got fair dinkum."
Since joining the PBR Australia circuit he's barely put a foot wrong.
He's claimed three buckles and eight podium finishes this year and only twice failed to gain points. Ahead of the Australian Titles in Sydney this coming weekend, Kleier goes in as the top ranked cowboy.
Consistency, as they say has been key, for the 19-year-old's rapid rise. His completion rate is a high 63%.
"This is the big one, it would mean the world to me, Kleier said, following his second place at the Last Cowboy Standing.
"I am pretty keen for this one. I definitely didn't expect to do this well. I just try to keep focused and be consistent.
"I've managed to do pretty well in most rodeos, my best was at the Western where I rode all four bulls."
READ: How Sonny Schafferius chased the American dream.
READ:The Hump comes up trumps over Jason Mara.
Goal setting has been part and parcel of Kleier's graduation from school boy rodeo to the prime-time.
He went from junior bulls to the Young Guns, Top Guns and more. Just like he did in his debut rodeo, the New Year Eve Chute Out in Charters Towers, the son of a stockman has found a way to upstage more seasoned pros.
"Everyone has been pretty good, they look after me, everyone is great backstage," the modern-day matador said.
"A fair few of the riders are from small towns so we are all mates.
"My parents didn't force me into rodeos, I was just always around them. They're the best."
Current Standings
- Aaron Kleier 2283.3*
- Braydon Wellby 1842.5
- Sonny Schafferius 1665.0*
- Cliff Richardson 1600.0
- Troy Wilkinson 1589.1
- Matt Triplett 1270.0
- Kurt Shepard 1025.0
- Budd Williamson 955.0
- Jason Mara 902.5*
- Cody Heffernan 800.0
- *Denotes CQ based*
The six-strong Kleier clan will head down to Sydney this weekend, with older brother Travis and sisters Kelsey and Lana in his support party.
Julie, a bundle of nerves, will watch from the ring side, riding every buck, jump and kick.
"It never gets easier... it is a dangerous sport and one where you just never know," she sighed.
"You just pray he gets away safely. It would be fair to say I get more nervous than he does. Sometimes when I am videoing I look down and my arms are all shaking.
"But we all are so proud of him and can't wait to watch him."
Kleier, along with Dysart's Sonny Schafferius and Rocky's Jason Mara will fly the CQ flag at the Australian Titles, all gunning for top 10 placings.
Originally published as WATCH: The rides that took Aaron Kleier to number one
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