The end of the American season proved tough for the Triumph US team, with very few riders spared from injuries. The only Triumph representative in Las Vegas on Saturday for the SMX championship finale – and the closing round of the AMA championships – Jordon Smith gritted his teeth after a heavy crash during practice that left him with a dislocated shoulder. Tough as ever, Jordon still took part in the final race, bringing home a solid sixth-place finish.
Triumph had set high expectations for its 2025 team lineup, but injuries quickly piled up. Jalek Swoll tore his Achilles tendon just before the season opener and later suffered a calf injury upon returning to the outdoor series. Stilez Robertson, meanwhile, ended his career following yet another wrist injury. Mikkel Haarup, brought in to strengthen the outdoor roster, delivered a strong debut AMA campaign before fracturing his collarbone during the penultimate round in Unadilla. That left Jordon Smith and Austin Forkner to carry the Triumph colors in the SMX championship. Once again, the team suffered: while Jordon held on as best he could, Austin was forced to withdraw.
After his terrible 2024 crash and multiple surgeries (brain, eyes) during the offseason, Austin Forkner left Pro Circuit to make a fresh start with Triumph in 2025. His results were modest, and he remained out of the spotlight, but his comeback was all about rebuilding and consistency. This season, he took part in 20 races: 9 SX, 11 MX, and 1 SMX, marking his highest number of events since turning pro in the summer of 2016.
Austin even shone at Concord during the SMX season opener, finishing 5th in the lone race. But the second round in Saint Louis saw him run into trouble again. The front wheel slipped in a corner in the pits, forcing Austin to put his left foot down to catch himself. The impact was too much for his Triumph knee, resulting in a torn meniscus and the need for surgery.
Austin Forkner now has three months to recover and prepare for the 2026 season, which he will again contest under the Triumph banner.
Triumph USA will be present at Ironman for the Motocross of Nations. Mikkel Haarup will return to the track for the occasion with the Danish team. Camden McLellan (South Africa) and Guillem Farres (Spain) will also be supported for the event.
