When Camden McLellan crossed the finish line in moto two in Almonte, Spain yesterday, he became the first South African to win a Grand Prix and hold the red plate at the same time. The last was Tyla Rattray at the Benelux GP, at Lierop in 2008.

It was the second last Grand Prix of the season and around that very tough sand circuit in The Netherlands, Rattray was just too good, going 1-1 and beating major rival, Tommy Searle and Frenchman Nicolas Aubin.

Ray Archer images

A round later, at Faenza, Italy, the tough rider from South Africa was crowned world MX2 champion, joining Greg Albertyn, and Grant Langston as a world motocross champion from that part of the world.

At the time of the Rattray celebration, the current South African in GP racing, Camden McLellan was just four years old. Now, some 18 years later, McLellan, on a factory Triumph joins the list of South African GP winners and puts himself in line to fight for a world title.

“It feels really good. It’s a special weekend for me. Since my last race win in Trentino, a long time coming that makes it even more sweet. The red plate is a nice bonus as well. The first race was more chaotic and a big fight until the last corner, but the second race I controlled more. I waited for the right moment, made my moves, and everything was quite calculated. I didn’t want my first overall without a race win, so to take both is really satisfying.”

McLellan has once again made history for Triumph by winning round two of the 2026 FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship in Spain. The South African secured his and Triumph’s maiden Grand Prix victory aboard the TF 250-X in dramatic fashion, as he chased home race one winner and teammate Guillem Farres in moto one, before charging to victory in race two. Camden now leads the MX2 World Championship with Farres close behind in third.

“It’s been an incredible GP here in Spain with my first ever overall win, and also a first overall victory for Triumph, which is a really special feeling. I felt solid throughout the whole week and carried that into the weekend, so it all came together when it mattered. I can’t thank the team enough! We’ve got a great bike and a fantastic group of people around us, and this result is a reflection of everyone's hard work. I’m really happy to now have the red plate and I’m excited for the rest of the season.”

Two weeks on from the team enjoying a fruitful trip to Argentina for the opening round of the series, the second Grand Prix of the season took place in Spain. The circuit in Almonte was a new addition to the calendar for 2026, and despite having no prior experience at the venue, both riders adapted quickly, with Camden charging to second in the qualifying race while Guillem finished third.

The opening MX2 race in Spain was undoubtedly the most exciting one of the season so far. From starting just outside the top five, Camden worked his way onto the back wheel of Farres by mid-race. The duo then delivered a masterclass in sand riding while battling for the lead, as they broke away from the chasing pack. Ultimately, McLellan was unable to find a way by his teammate and finished in second.

Camden took advantage of a much-improved start in race two and emerged from the first turn in third. Biding his time as the two leaders set the pace, the 21-year-old began his charge around the halfway point of the race and took control at the front with six laps remaining. From there, McLellan maintained his margin at the front of the field to pick up his second ever moto win and with it, overall victory.