McLellan Shines for SA with Breakthrough MX2 Victory
Photos by MXGP
If Round 1 in Argentina was about opening statements, Spain was about laying down authority.
The sandy circuit at Almonte doesn’t ask questions, it drags answers out of riders, usually while trying to throw them over the bars. And this weekend, a few riders answered loudly… while others were politely escorted into the scenery.
MX2:
Alright… let’s not mince words.
Camden McLellan went out and won the MX2 Grand Prix in Spain.
Not a moto. Not a lucky result. The overall from one of the hardest working athletes on the international MX scene.
Let that land for a second.
On a brutal Spanish sand track that’s made a habit of exposing even the smallest weakness, the South African put together a 2-1 scorecard and did it properly, no drama, just smart, fast, controlled racing when it mattered.
And if that wasn’t enough, he did it aboard a Triumph, handing the brand its first-ever MX2 Grand Prix victory.
That’s the kind of stat that sticks.
Race one saw him right in the fight, keeping things clean and within reach, but it was race two where he made the statement. When it counted, he delivered, and that’s what separates a podium from a win.
Behind him, Simon Längenfelder kept things consistent for 2nd overall, while Sacha Coenen bounced back to round out the podium in 3rd.
But this one? This one belongs to McLellan.
For South African fans, it’s a big one. A proper one. The kind of result that reminds you exactly why we wake up early (or stay up late) to watch these races.
And if this is anything to go by, it’s not the last time we’re talking about him at the top step this season.
MXGP:
Up in the bigger cc class, Lucas Coenen didn’t just win, he dominated.
A perfect 1-1 scorecard, complete control, and absolutely no interest in sharing the spotlight as from the moment the gate dropped, Coenen looked like he had a different track to everyone else.
Jeffrey Herlings did what Herlings does, fast, relentless, and right there, but had to settle for 2nd overall with a pair of second-place finishes.
Tim Gajser rounded out the podium after working his way through the field, proving once again that even when things aren’t perfect, he’s still very much in the fight.
Not everyone had a smooth day though. Romain Febvre hit the ground hard while in podium contention in race two, leaving Spain with more questions than answers.
And just like that, the championship picture shifted.
Coenen leaves Spain with momentum, confidence, and a rapidly growing target on his back.
What’s Next?
Spain gave us dominance at the top, a breakthrough for South Africa, and just enough chaos to keep everyone honest.
Now the paddock packs up and heads to Frauenfeld in Switzerland for Round 3 – 29 March, where the hardpack will be a very different challenge to the deep sand of Almonte. Lines tighten up, mistakes get punished quicker, and outright speed starts to matter just that little bit more.
All eyes will be on Camden McLellan to see if he can carry that winning momentum forward. You go Seun, we are all cheering for you!
Does anyone have an answer for Lucas Coenen in MXGP?
If Spain was anything to go by, we’re in for a proper season…
