Mikkel Haarup continues impressive pre-season form with Camden McLellan overcoming challenging starts to secure ninth.
Monster Energy Triumph Racing’s Mikkel Haarup has delivered another impressive result in the lead up to the 2024 FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship with a fine third overall at the Sommières International in France. Competing in what was a star-studded line-up, Haarup would secure 3-2 results to claim his place on the final step of the podium. For teammate Camden McLellan, two hard charges through the pack rewarded the South African with ninth overall.
Words and Images by Monster Energy Triumph Racing
By qualifying as fourth fastest on his TF 250-X, Haarup indicated his intentions for another solid result at the second of three pre-season international races for Monster Energy Triumph Racing. Taking full advantage of being the fourth rider to line up for moto one, the Dane enjoyed a great start and would then maintain third for much of the race before moving into second. Frustratingly, Mikkel would lose a position on the final lap and ultimately place third, just 11 seconds adrift of the moto one winner.
Confident for another strong showing in the second race to secure a top-three overall finish, the 22-year-old would certainly impress by battling for the moto victory with Thibault Benistant. Unfortunate to not find a way through and secure what would have been a maiden race victory for the TF 250-X, Haarup never gave up and crossed the finish line less than one second behind his MX2 World Championship rival. With his 3-2 finishes, Mikkel would place a solid third overall.
The Sommières International was a challenging one for Camden McLellan. Optimistic for a positive performance, the 19-year-old began the day with sixth in qualifying. In both races, Camden was forced to charge through the pack, posting competitive lap times in the process to claim eighth in each outing. McLellan would ultimately place ninth overall for his determined effort.
Monster Energy Triumph Racing returns to action at the Championnat de France on February 25 for what will be the final pre-season race before the FIM MX2 World Championship begins on March 10 in Argentina.
Mikkel Haarup: “We’re done here at the Sommières International and it’s been another great day. It was a hectic schedule but I enjoyed it a lot. The team did a great job today and I’m super happy with my results. I ended up on the podium again and had great starts and there was some great racing today. There are plenty of positives to take away from here and I’m really happy with my performance.”
Camden McLellan: “We’ve just finished up here in Sommières and it’s been a bit of a difficult weekend. I had bad starts and a bit of bad luck really, but that’s how racing goes sometimes. The results don’t show it, but my riding was good and it’s been a positive day. All in all, it’s been great to race again and now I’m looking forward to Lacapelle next weekend.”
Results – Sommières International, France
Race 1:
1. Liam Everts (KTM) 23:14.866
2. Thibault Benistant (Yamaha) 23:23.761
3. Mikkel Haarup (Triumph) 23:25.226
4. Mathys Boisrame (Husqvarna) 23:56.976
5. Quentin Prugnieries (Kawasaki) 24:00.846
6. Maxime Grau (GASGAS) 24:06.826
8. Camden McLellan (Triumph) 24:08.856
Race 2:
1. Thibault Benistant (Yamaha) 23:14.192
2. Liam Everts (KTM) 23:15.007
3. Mikkel Haarup (Triumph) 23:26.308
4. Mathys Boisrame (Husqvarna) 23:51.946
5. Andrea Bonacorsi (Yamaha) 23:55.860
6. Karlis Reisulis (Yamaha) 24:01.989
8. Camden McLellan (Triumph) 24:06.614
MX2 Overall
1. Thibault Benistant (Yamaha) 47pts
2. Liam Everts (KTM) 45pts
3. Mikkel Haarup (Triumph) 42pts
4. Mathys Boisrame (Husqvarna) 36pts
5. Andrea Bonacorsi (Yamaha) 30pts
6. Maxime Grau (GASGAS) 29pts
9. Camden McLellan (Triumph) 26pts
For more information on Triumph Racing, visit www.triumphmotorcycles.com/for-the-ride/racing
