Triumph Racing announced Mikkel Haarup will be joining the team for the 2025 Pro Motocross series on the TF 250-X in the 250 class……..read more
Triumph Racing has officially announced that Danish motocross talent Mikkel Haarup will continue with the team through the 2025 and 2026 seasons. After a standout 2024 campaign in the MX2 class, Haarup will transition into a development role for 2025, focusing on the TF 450-RC ahead of its MXGP debut in 2026. This move not only reflects Triumph’s long-term commitment to motocross but also underscores Haarup’s integral role in the brand’s competitive evolution.
Haarup’s 2024 season was a milestone for both rider and manufacturer. He secured fifth overall in the FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship, delivering multiple podium finishes and playing a key role in Triumph’s impressive debut with the TF 250-X. His performance at the opening round in Argentina marked Triumph’s first-ever podium in the series, setting the tone for a strong inaugural season .
Due to age restrictions, Haarup is no longer eligible to compete in the MX2 class. With Triumph’s 450cc machine slated for a 2026 debut, the team faced a unique challenge. The solution: a hybrid role for Haarup in 2025, where he will collaborate closely with Triumph’s in-house development team and Monster Energy Triumph Racing to fine-tune the TF 450-RC. This strategic move ensures that both rider and machine are fully prepared for their entry into the MXGP class .
Haarup expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “It’s an honour for me to once again say that I’ll be a part of Triumph and Monster Energy Triumph Racing. Next year I’ll be working closely with Triumph’s engineering department to develop the bike that I’ll be racing on the following year. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity and something that I couldn’t say no to. It’ll be an experience that will set us up nicely for the MXGP season in 2026 where I’ll not only make my debut in the MXGP class, but it will be Triumph’s as well.”
Triumph’s Head of Global Racing Programmes, Ian Kimber, highlighted the importance of retaining Haarup, noting, “With our 450 programme moving to 2026, and Mikkel aging out of MX2 in 2024, it left us in a difficult position. However, with our new deal, it means that we can spend 2025 working with Mikkel and the team, to ensure that the bike is competitive and Mikkel is at home on the new bike. Mikkel’s attitude and work ethic is an asset to our programme, and I know he will push as hard as he can for success.”
As Triumph prepares for its MXGP debut, the team continues to build momentum. In the 2025 season, returning rider Camden McLellan and new signing Guillem Farres will compete in the MX2 class aboard the TF 250-X, aiming to build on the successes of the previous year . With Haarup’s expertise contributing to the development of the TF 450-RC, Triumph is positioning itself for a strong entry into the premier class.
In summary, Mikkel Haarup’s continued partnership with Triumph Racing represents a strategic alignment of experience, innovation, and ambition. His transition into a development role for 2025 serves as a critical step in ensuring that both rider and machine are primed for success in the MXGP class come 2026. This collaboration underscores Triumph’s dedication to establishing a formidable presence in the world of motocross.
