A GP win and the MX2 world lead! It wasn’t a bad day for South African, Camden McLellan, who showed he should be taken very seriously as a world title contender in 2026 – can he be South Africa’s next world champ?
We caught up with the friendly rider who moved to Europe just as he became a teenager and now, with Triumph behind him, he is proving all the sacrifice is worthwhile.
Were you expecting it to go this well? I mean, 2–1 overall, the win in the first moto and then such a controlled ride in the second. Just talk us through your day.
Yeah, overall it’s been a great weekend. Yesterday I had a poor position in time practice, which is actually a first for me, so you could say it’s been a weekend of firsts—then obviously the overall today. From the get-go on Saturday I felt good. We made some small changes, and each time I felt a step better. Then today we were really on point with the bike setup.
The track was gnarly—really, really rough—and I knew it would play into my favour in the final minutes because I feel really fit. So honestly, I can’t complain about anything. It’s been a great weekend. There are always small things to improve, but overall it was really, really good.
You both had a strong start in Argentina, but I think today really underlines how well you’re riding—and how good the bike is too.
Yeah, I mean, we had a rocket ship last year as well. But this year we’ve made a big update with a major component, and the bike has taken another step forward.
Last year the bike was already great, it just lacked something. This year we’ve found that missing piece. Everything—from drive out of turns to landing jumps and handling bumps—is so much better. I feel much more in control of the bike, whereas last year there were times I felt the opposite.
The team has done an outstanding job. In Argentina we already showed some positives. In the first race I was fast, right there with the front guys, just had a small crash. In the second race, people were saying it looked easy for him, which surprised me because I followed him through the pack and finished just two seconds behind. So maybe people didn’t expect this, but I think they could have seen it coming. For me, it’s not a surprise—now it’s about keeping it going.
In the first moto you were right behind your teammate and almost passed him. Is it harder to make a move because he’s your teammate?
Yeah, it is. We were side by side through the waves, and he had the inside into the turn. I could have really sent it, but obviously he’s my teammate, so I’m not going to do that. We’re both fighting for the championship and we’re also really good friends, so that’s not how I want to race him—especially not here.
It was a bit frustrating because I felt faster, but a 1–2 for the team was still really cool. Then in the second race, with Sacha and Valerio, I didn’t really hold back—I had to be more aggressive.
With Guillem I was a bit more tentative, but in the second moto I felt calm and confident.
You looked very composed in that second race—like you knew you’d be able to make the passes when it mattered.
Yeah, exactly. I was keeping an eye on Simon, he was world champ last year, so is obviously one of the strongest guys this year too. I had Valerio and Sacha just ahead of me, and the track was really hard to pass on. You had to be patient and make something happen.
The pass on Valerio especially took a bit of magic. I took my time, waited for the right moment, and when it came, I had to commit. You needed to be strategic—you couldn’t just rush it or you’d end up stuck behind in the roost. I knew I was stronger than the guys ahead, so once the opportunity came, I took it—and it worked out well.
You mentioned changes to the bike—was that more engine or chassis?
Chassis.
So you just feel more confident in all conditions now?
Yeah, exactly.
Names like Greg Albertyn, Grant Langston, and Tyla Rattray… now you’re in a position to fight for a world title. Do you want to add your name to that list?
Oh yeah, 100%. That was already the plan last year, even though things didn’t quite go as planned. This year I feel like I’m in a much better place. I’ve got the red plate now, and there’s just something about this season that feels different—like it could be the year. I’d love to add my name to that list. That’s definitely the goal.
You came over here really young, right? Around 13?
Yeah, 13 was my first race.
So to now have the red plate—it must mean a lot, especially carrying on that South African legacy.
Yeah, I’m trying. It’s been a long time since South Africa had a Grand Prix winner, and even longer for a world champion. To be part of that again would be really special—not just for me, but for the sport back home. With the Grand Prix returning there this year and me doing well, it’s helping the sport grow again. Hopefully we can bring it back to what it once was. I really believe that’s possible, and I’m looking forward to the home GP as well.
Have you had any contact with Albertyn, Langston, or Rattray for advice?
Not really for advice, but they do message me now and then to say well done. I’d say it’s friendly. I don’t ask them for advice and they don’t really offer it—which is understandable, times have changed—but just having them follow and support me is really cool. They’re legends of South African motorsport.
I’m sure you’ve made them proud. Congratulations.
Thank you very much.
