It proved to be a rollercoaster weekend at Montevarchi for Camden McLellan, but the South African showed impressive resilience to end the MXGP of Italy on a high.
After a frustrating opening moto left his hopes of an overall victory in tatters only finishing in seventh, the Triumph rider responded in style during race two. McLellan carved his way through the field, took control at the front and pulled clear to secure a commanding race win. The result was enough to earn him another overall podium finish and move him up to third in the MX2 World Championship standings.
Despite the positive outcome, McLellan admitted he was far from satisfied with how his weekend had unfolded up until Sunday afternoon.
“I was pretty pissed after my first race, to be honest, all in all, the whole weekend. Yesterday, in the qualifying race as well, I was sleeping until Guillem passed me. After that I had a moment of reflection. I was like, what am I doing around here? Then I started to ride well. Already yesterday, I was a little bit angry. Today, I was feeling good from the warm-up. The whole weekend, I’ve been riding at 80%. This is a track that can really bite you. I’m not really willing to risk it as much as some other people. I was doing the weekend on 80%, and it was working. The first race was a bit tough. I got a bad start, crashed on the first lap. It was my own mistake and a pretty stupid mistake. I was frustrated after that”.
McLellan felt he had the pace to challenge for the overall victory throughout the weekend and was disappointed to see those ambitions disappear after the opening moto. However, he was determined to salvage as much as possible and lined up for race two with only one objective in mind.
“I knew that I had already ruined my chances of the overall. I think that was on the table this weekend. Speed-wise, I was super. I was really happy that the weather was really warm. I think that was going to play into my hands. Actually, in the second race, it was pretty easy. It was not really warm at all. Anyway, I backed it up with a good second race. I was fired up. I really would not have accepted much else than a race win. I’m happy to have, like I said, backed that up so that was good”.
While many riders voiced concerns about the demanding and hard pack Montevarchi circuit, McLellan was among those who embraced the challenge. He felt the layout rewarded smart decision-making and praised the work done by the organisers to improve conditions for Sunday’s racing after a dusty Saturday.
“Already on Friday, on the track walk, we kind of know what bike we have and what tracks may suit us more than others. I think this was definitely one. I have to say, a lot of people were complaining, but I quite liked the track. I think it was easy to make passes. He (Farres) came from way back yesterday. I also came from way back today in the first moto, and we were able to work our way through. I think for passing, it was good. It was tricky, it was technical. Sure, it was sketchy, but that’s where I think also it brings a different kind of sense into the race. You have to be smarter and a little bit more picky with the risks you take, and I think that’s what the World Championship is about. One weekend we’re here, next weekend we’re there on a different circuit, a different track with different terrain. I was happy with it. They’ve done a good work with the track today. Yesterday was questionable at times, but today was good, I’m happy”.
Although McLellan was left wondering what might have been after his costly mistake in the opening race, his dominant response in moto two underlined both his speed and growing maturity. With momentum back on his side and now sitting third in the championship, the South African heads into the next round with plenty of momentum.
