Triumph Factory Racing has just locked in a serious talent boost for the 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship, with Danish MXGP standout Mikkel Haarup stepping in to race the TF 250-X in the 250 Class.
With Jalek Swoll sidelined through injury until later in the season, Triumph has called on Haarup to take the reins—and it’s a move that makes sense. The 23-year-old has already been working closely with the team in a development role out of Triumph’s world-class training base in Georgia, USA, putting in hours on the US-spec TF 250-X.
Now, he’s suiting up for his first full tilt at the American motocross scene, and if his MXGP form is anything to go by, he won’t be just making up the numbers. Haarup kicked off Triumph’s FIM MX2 World Championship campaign last year with multiple top-fives and a historic first Grand Prix podium at the opening round. He wrapped up the season fifth overall—no small feat in a stacked field.
Racing AMA Pro Motocross is a long-held dream for Haarup, and with the gate drop at Pala Raceway on May 24 inching closer, he’s deep into prep mode. Before the main series kicks off, he’ll sharpen up at select regional events, starting with a Loretta Lynn’s qualifier this weekend in South Carolina.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to race in the US,” says Haarup. “To do it with a team I trust and a bike I love makes it even better. The plan is to take it race-by-race, keep improving and see where that takes us.”
While he’ll be stepping back from his development duties for now, Triumph’s programme continues with Clement Desalle and Ivan Tedesco at the helm. According to Triumph Racing America’s GM Jeremy Coker, the team is pumped to have Haarup on board.
“Mikkel’s been great to work with, and testing has gone really well. Having a rider with MXGP experience adds another exciting dimension to the team and the championship.”
Triumph’s Global Racing boss Ian Kimber echoed the sentiment, calling Haarup’s temporary shift from test pilot to full-time racer a win-win situation.
“It’s a unique opportunity. Not only does Mikkel stay race sharp, but it also strengthens the link between our US and MXGP programmes. We’ve taken the time to get him fully dialled on the TF 250-X, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do this summer.”
The 11-round AMA Pro Motocross Championship will run from May 24 through to August 23, wrapping up at Budds Creek in Maryland. With Haarup behind the bars of the TF 250-X, Triumph looks set to make even more waves in its American motocross push.
