When Camden McLellan signed with the all-new Factory Triumph Racing team ahead of the 2024 season, many viewed it as a gamble. After all, Triumph were entering their first ever year in the MX2 World Championship, and joining a brand-new outfit always carries some uncertainty. But from the very first round in Argentina, the signs were there — Mikkel Haarup got on the podium and proved that the bike was competitive right out of the gate.
Now that Haarup has aged out of the MX2 class and already signed for Triumph’s upcoming MXGP effort in 2026, McLellan has effectively become the team’s lead rider in MX2. And while the South African didn’t get off to the strongest start this season, his recent form has more than made up for it. A podium at Riola was followed by a very impressive ride at Arco di Trento, where he delivered Triumph their first ever MX2 moto win — a historic achievement for both rider and team.
But despite the momentum, McLellan’s future remains wide open.
“Not from the team, I put a lot of pressure on myself,” McLellan told GateDrop.com when asked about the weight he’s been carrying. “It’s contract year, no doubt you’re thinking of that, especially when I went down, I was like, that’s my season gone, and it’s contract year. So it’s there, it’s lingering in the back, but mainly I just want to do good, I want to be up front, and I know I can be.”
That internal drive is clearly paying off. McLellan credits a more stable setup as a big reason for his recent success.
“At the moment I know I have everything,” he continued. “I know I emphasize the fitness, the bike to be there, I just haven’t been able to put it all together. But now this weekend, we didn’t make a single change on the bike, where if you compare to France or Cozar, what we started with to the end of the weekend, the amount of changes we made has been, it’s been crazy.”
Now that he and the team have found a solid base setting, McLellan’s confidence is peaking — and so is his motivation.
“I’m feeling confident, I walked the line, I think, you know, f**k these guys, I’m there to win, get bonus money, and go home,” he said bluntly. “That’s kind of been driving me, and for sure, I need a contract next year, I want a contract, where, I don’t know, but if I get the results, options are there, you know. I’m still completely open, nothing’s certain… Yeah, I am free at the moment.”
While Guillem Farres is already confirmed to continue with Triumph through 2026, and Haarup is locked in for the MXGP side, McLellan’s name isn’t yet on any official list. But if his recent performances are anything to go by, that could change quickly.
He’s showing he has the speed, the mentality, and now — the results.
