South African talent Camden McLellan made an impressive start to the 2026 MX2 World Championship season by securing a podium finish at the opening round in Argentina. After a productive winter and a refreshed mindset heading into the new campaign, McLellan looked composed and confident throughout the weekend, and his strong ride paid off with a well-earned top-three result.
Reflecting on how he felt heading into the races, McLellan highlighted the importance of a positive off-season and the environment around him within the team.
“Confident and relaxed I would say is how I feel before the races. It comes from, like Guillem said, we had a great winter. We’ve been working hard, keeping it light, keeping it fun. It’s just been a pleasure from October when we stopped racing. I had some nice time off, got to go home, see all my family. That was really nice and then when we came back, I’ve just made a mental click over the off-season and I’m feeling really motivated, really hungry and really confident, which is something that in my past I think I’ve lacked. So, I think it’s going to be a good year and I’m happy.”
The weekend was even more special for the factory Triumph outfit as McLellan shared the podium with teammate Guillem Farres, giving the squad a memorable double podium result.
“It is pretty cool when I saw him (Guillem) ride into Parc fermé with me as well. A double podium for the team is something special. Vince and the mechanics especially, they put in so so many hours. For them, I think this one feels good for both of us as well.”
McLellan also spoke about the strong relationship he has with Farres and how their friendship and competitive spirit pushes them both to improve.
“Myself and Guillem are really close so to see him and to have my friend on the podium with me is cool. It’s a shame that he was ahead of me. We keep it light, we keep it fun, we work hard together and to see us both up there is great. I know what he’s gone through in the winter that you guys don’t, so to see him up there is cool and pushes me because I don’t want him to beat me. I think we have a great dynamic and that’s great.”
The opening round took place in Bariloche, Argentina, where the sandy, powdery soil presented a unique challenge for riders and organisers alike. McLellan praised the work done by the track crew in preparing the circuit and deciding to keep it rough for the riders.
“I think this is the worst kind of dirt to build the track on, it’s complete powder and to keep it wet, I can’t imagine how many truckloads of water they’ve had to put on, but the track crew, I have forgot their names, but they’ve done a really good job. They left it rough from Saturday to Sunday which I believe made for great racing and it suited me better.”
Interestingly, the rougher conditions also helped level the playing field for the taller and heavier South African rider.
“I’m at a bit of a handicap with my weight. If you look at Sacha or Guillem, they’re a couple kilos lighter than me, so when it’s rougher, I feel the handicap kind of goes away. I know I’m really strong physically, really fit. It kind of evened out throughout the weekend but at the start of the weekend it was a little bit worse, let’s say. When the track was flat and there was powder berms everywhere, it was a bit boring and slow to get going on the bike, but now I’m happy and track is cool.”
McLellan also had high praise for the atmosphere and organisation of the Argentine Grand Prix, something he has grown to appreciate every time the championship visits the country.
“I have to say, every time I come to Argentina, it’s a great event, the fans show out, Bariloche is amazing, Cordoba last year was amazing. The tracks are always amazing in Argentina, so I think it’s one of the better GPs we have in terms of vibes and tracks. I think they’ve done a great job here for what they’ve had.”
With confidence high and momentum already on his side, McLellan’s podium result could prove to be an important early marker in the 2026 MX2 season. If the South African can maintain the same relaxed mindset and strong form shown in Argentina, he could well be a regular contender at the front of the field as the championship unfolds.
