With the MXoN edging closer, we decided to get in touch with the South African MXoN team manager, Cheryl McLellan who knows plenty about the MXGP paddock. She is there to support Camden as he searches for glory in the MX2 World Championship and he became a factory rider this year inking a deal with Triumph.
McLellan was kind enough to offer her thoughts on a range of topics…
GateDrop: Cheryl, I feel like a lot of Nations were selected really late this year so it feels like a long time ago your team was actually picked – it was the first team to be announced! How did you find selecting the team this year?
McLellan: Our team is selected by the MX Commission that works on all aspects of MX in RSA. It is group of volunteers from around the country that are involved in the local scene in someway or another. I have no input in the selection. I did provide them with a list of SA riders that are racing abroad and competitive as not all are known to the commission. The team is then submitted to MSA for approval. We did select the team early due to the logistical challenges we face with visa, bikes, etc.
GateDrop: Aside from the injury, it’s been a strong season for Camden and a full factory rider. When we first heard he’d be going to Triumph, no one knew how it would go as they’re brand new. But it’s a great setup. You must be happy he took the ‘risk’ to join them?
McLellan: It wasn’t really a risk. Camden got to know the Triumph crew that are running the team and it was clear from the beginning they mean business so it was an easy decision to make. I think they took more of a risk with Camden! But a calculated risk as they could see his potential and were willing to work hard with him to help him reach new heights.
GateDrop: Camden took his first MX2 GP podium at Riola, how was that? It must have been a very proud moment to see him up there but… I know you’ll want to see him on the top step too (laughs)…
McLellan: How was that? Frikken amazing! And now it’s time to be there more often (no pressure).
GateDrop: Cameron Durow is the MXGP rider with Triston Purdon the Open rider. What’s the reasoning for that?
McLellan: As I said before, the MX Commission decide this, I just do the logistics and admin for the team leading up to the event and on the day. But the rider order as we have is probably our best option. Yes, we could have changed things around and maybe scored less points but we can work with the current rider order, no problem.
GateDrop: Purdon has been focusing on the British Championship and fourth in the championship. You must be happy with his development? He also did some AMA and one MXGP round which is always good…
McLellan: Tristan has had a great year, he is in his best shape, in a great setup and happy. This is showing in his results. I am excited to see him pull-off two great results this year and contribute to the team success!
GateDrop: Durow also raced AMA rounds, what’s your thoughts on him as a rider? Would you like to see him race in Europe more maybe?
McLellan: He has gained some unbelievable experience this year racing all around the world. He did some racing in EU, then in USA and at home. We would love to see him more in Europe, it’s always lekker having more Saffas around but I think his decision to race in the USA had more value in terms of experience, speed, track time, etc.
GateDrop: Costs are increasing all the time, just how hard is it to organise for South Africa to go to the MXoN?
McLellan: Yes, costs are getting out of hand. Our exchange rate is ridiculous but fortunately with Camden and Tristan based in Europe and UK respectfully, it is financially easier. Less money spent on flights, etc but visa costs, and fuel is still ridiculous. Fortunately, Cameron has a bike in Holland he could use so getting a competitive bike is not as challenging but he still had the cost of flights, hotels, car hire, etc that add up quickly. The financial supports from the MX community back home has really helped.
GateDrop: No disrespect to America because we like to see all the best Nations coming every year but it sounds like if Eli wouldn’t have came they would have pulled the plug. It seems like they only want to come to have a shot at winning, I’m sure you know yourself if South Africa could just get a top ten result it would be really good… but you guys always seem happy just to race and back the event which is a positive…
McLellan: It is about National pride, we are all honoured to represent our country no matter the end result. I know each and every person involved with team SA is proud to be a part of it and will put their best foot forward. Even if that means not winning the overall. Participating at events of this status gives the juniors back home something to work towards and raises the bar of racing a local level which is where it all starts.
GateDrop: Well said! What are your goals for South Africa this year?
McLellan: Top ten is the goal.
GateDrop: Camden has had visa issues in the past as well as yourself but I believe your husband and other son haven’t been able to get into Europe so you don’t see them that much. That must be incredibly difficult to be on the other side of the world from them? It shows how much you guys want Camden to succeed in the sport…
McLellan: Our visa issues are resolved and our temporary residency is in place so now that stress is behind us. It is not possible to race the championship and succeed with a tourist visa so we did everything we could to make sure we could stay within EU legally. It was a two year long process and I am glad it is over.
GateDrop: I think you told me at Lommel that your husband and other son will be coming to the MXoN, I am sure it’ll be amazing to be with them at a high level race again – you might even get some help!
McLellan: Yes, they are here in Europe for two months now, so they were with us for the Spanish GP and then we’re road tripping to the MXoN. We are all looking forward to having our family together, it’s been a long 10 months apart. Help? I am looking forward to someone else washing dishes for a change.
GateDrop: Any plans for after the MXoN yet? I’m sure you’ll enjoy some off time somewhere? 20 GP’s is a long season and it’ll not be that long until you get to do it all again!
McLellan: It wasn’t such a long season, Camden missed out on 6 rounds with his injury so we’re not feeling like we need a major break. After the MXoN we’re taking a week family holiday in the UK visiting family and friends but then back to work and for Camden back to training and prepping for next year.
