News 13 Apr 2023

SuperMotocross and MXGP test riders announced by Triumph

Tedesco and Desalle join the brand as preparations ramp up for 2024 debut.

Image: Supplied.

Triumph Racing has confirmed the signing of Ivan Tedesco and Clement Desalle as test riders while preparations for the brand’s debut in the 2024 SuperMotocross and MX2 World Championships continue to ramp up.

Tedesco has multiple 125cc AMA titles to his credit and also was part of Team USA’s Motocross of Nations (MXoN) winning line-up on three occasions (2005, 2006 and 2009).

He comes onboard with the brand as a full-time test rider for the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) team, led by Bobby Hewitt. Triumph will debut in the 250 class next season before adding a 450 program in 2025.

“I’m super excited to be part of the new Triumph racing programme and to be working with Ricky and Bobby again,” said Tedesco. “To have the opportunity to work with a new brand in our sport, to take a new bike and develop it to a race-ready package, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“The team that Triumph is assembling to compete in the SuperMotocross championship is second to none, and together with the support of the engineers at the Triumph Factory, I’m confident we will line up with a competitive bike for Anaheim 1 2024.”

Desalle was a staple in the highest level of the MXGP World Championship for a number of years, claiming three vice champion finishes, also third in the world championship three times. He retired from racing in 2020 and turned his attention to test riding, already making a major contribution to Triumph’s progress with its new race bike.

“Joining the Triumph MX2 programme allows me to make use of my years of experience as a professional racer to help take the stock bike to a full factory race bike, ready for the MX2 season in 2024,” explained Desalle. “Working with Thierry and Vincent [Bereni, Triumph Racing team manager – MXGP], I know that Triumph have joined with the best people possible to deliver winning results in the quickest possible time, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

Triumph is set to enter the MX2 World Championship next year, with plans to enter the premier MXGP category the following season.

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