Monster Energy Triumph Racing rider Camden McLellan secured his second overall podium of the season – and the third of his career – at the MXGP of Flanders with 2‑3 moto scores earning him a well earned, and overdue podium. McLellan has shown plenty of speed this season, but his well‑documented struggles with starts have often left the #8 fighting through the pack in many motos. The extreme depths of the Lommel sand actually played in his favour, which was illustrated in Moto 2, where he passed three riders collectively over the wall jump and began to set sail to reel in the top three.

The Triumph pilot entered Lommel with determination and frustration, after feeling like a better result was on the cards a week prior in Czechia. After the previous round, McLellan voiced his anger post race, and alluded to using the anger to fuel a podium finish in Lommel. “We will go into Lommel, deep sand, I’m angry so I think it’s good – I think we are going to be on the box in Lommel.”

High expectations are to be expected from someone of McLellan’s calibre, and he provided a rundown of his weekend from Lommel to Cult Moto.

“Obviously, a podium was the goal heading into the weekend – so I am happy with that and also happy with to show some improvements on the starts, we figured some things out during the week and I pulled two decent starts in the qualifying race and Race 1, second race not so much… but no that was a massive positive for me. Also, I am happy with my riding, I felt strong and and fit but I think I was missing a little bit this weekend – but anyway, we made a good step with the bike as well, in terms of a base settings in the sand so overall it was a big step forward and I am glad to end it with a podium, I feel I needed that it was a long time coming.”

The start struggles have certainly limited the amount of silverware McLellan could have claimed this season. Trentino earlier this year is a prime example of what the Triumph rider is capable of; he pulled the holeshot and led every lap en route to the first race win of his career in race 1. The following race, however, saw him crash heavily while battling through the pack after a poor start, ultimately ruling him out of what should have been a guaranteed podium weekend.

Despite the podiums that slipped away, McLellan has been the most successful rider so far aboard a TF-250-X machine. The Monster Energy Triumph Racing team began competing at the start of the 2024 season and, since then, has stood on the MX2 podium six times. Of those six occasions, McLellan has led the way with three podiums, followed by Mikkel Haarup with two and Guillem Farres with one. All variables lean towards emphasising the South African’s talent, which is notable as to many he may fly under the radar when discussing the top pool of talent within MX2.

A slight dip in form during the middle part of the season reflected McLellan’s efforts to secure a deal for 2026 – something he was open and honest about following the Grand Prix at Matterley Basin. The pressure of locking in a future often leaves riders torn between pushing the limits to stand out or riding conservatively in hopes of consistent results that attract factory interest. McLellan, however, has managed to find balance in that mindset, and his recent success has earned him a new contract for the next two seasons. While it has yet to be officially confirmed, all signs point to an extension with the Monster Energy Triumph Racing team.

Image: Triumph Racing