Monster Energy Triumph Racing’s MX2 racer Mikkel Haarup has written history by placing a stunning third overall at the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina! Delivering a truly outstanding performance at the 2024 season-opener, the Dane followed up his first-moto fifth with a close runner-up finish in race two to secure his, and Triumph’s first overall podium result in the MX2 World Championship. For Camden McLellan, strong starts and improving moto finishes secured ninth overall with his day highlighted by placing sixth in race two.
Heading to the start line for race one confident of a strong showing, Haarup emerged from the first turn with the leading riders. Starting from seventh, Haarup was up to fifth within a few laps and stayed with the frontrunners to the very end of the opening moto. Despite his best efforts to find a way through into fourth, the Dane would finish fifth in what was an exceptional debut for the TF 250-X in the MX2 World Championship.
Excited to improve upon his race one result, Mikkel started moto two in the best way possible by taking a stunning holeshot! Leading the world for nearly five laps, the 22-year-old slipped to second then found himself locked in a fierce battle for the moto victory. Charging hard to the finish, Haarup would cross the finish line as a close runner-up, just under two seconds from the race win, and be rewarded with third overall.
Camden McLellan was the second Monster Energy Triumph Racing rider in action in Argentina. Having worked on his starts in recent weeks, the South African’s commitment paid off as he completed the opening lap of each race inside the top 10. After placing 11th in moto one, the 19-year-old progressed considerably to place sixth in race two, finishing right behind reigning MX2 World Champion, Andrea Adamo.
Following an incredible day of action in Argentina, Monster Energy Triumph Racing will now return to Europe and prepare for round two of the 2024 FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship, the MXGP of Spain, on March 23-24.
Mikkel Haarup: “Yeah, it’s been a really amazing start to the season! A podium is perfect and a great way to start the year for myself, and Monster Energy Triumph Racing. My qualifying race was not so good, but I knew that I had the speed to run in the top three today. All through the off-season we have been building and building and what we’ve achieved today is the result of a lot of hard work by everyone involved. I felt comfortable on the bike all weekend and that was really important on a tricky track like this. Today we’ve shown what this bike is capable of and overall, I’m really happy with my performance.”
Camden McLellan: “That’s the weekend wrapped up in Argentina and it’s safe to say that there were a lot of nerves and a lot of excitement all weekend. The track was really rough, but my bike felt dialled all day and I’m happy to be going home healthy. It’s been a great day for the team with Mikkel getting up on the podium, so I’m pleased for him and everyone at Monster Energy Triumph Racing. See you in Spain!”
Vincent Bereni – Monster Energy Triumph Racing Team Manager: “A great start for the team and also Triumph. It has been a long road to get here and clearly, hard work pays off. Everyone on the team, the riders, the mechanics, everyone has worked so hard to get here and what Mikkel has achieved today is incredible. We knew we would be competitive but until you race, you never really know. But now we do. Camden also rode really well, and now the team is excited to head home to Europe, and we all look forward to Spain in two weeks’ time.”
