Image: Octopi Media.

Triumph Factory Racing has revealed that Mikkel Haarup is remaining in the US for 2026, entering the 450MX category of Pro Motocross onboard the TF 450-X before intending to return to MXGP as part of a new two-year contract.

Haarup first joined Triumph in the MX2 World Championship during 2023, where he achieved multiple podiums on his way to fifth in the final standings.

The 24-year-old from Danish international was initially due to spend a single season in American 250MX before returning to Europe, but will instead continue to be based out of Georgia upon moving up to the premier class

“After two years of racing Triumph’s 250, I’m really excited for the next chapter of my career,” Haarup commented. “Racing a 450 is something that I’ve been looking forward to for quite some time, and I can’t wait to get this next step started. I’ve been riding the 450 for a little while now and things have been going really well.

“I’m really thankful to Triumph for this opportunity and for believing in me. I can’t wait to go out and show what the bike is capable of, and for a second year of racing in the AMA Pro Motocross series.”

Haarup finished sixth in the 250MX championship as a rookie this season, despite missing the final two rounds with a broken collarbone.

With both Triumph and Mikkel having an ambition to race the 450 next season, competing in the 2026 Pro Motocross series will provide an opportunity to compete and test the TF 450-X in the USA in readiness for his return to the world championship in 2027.

“After Mikkel’s breakthrough performance on the 250 last summer, we’re ecstatic at the thought of him staying Stateside to race our 450 here in the Pro Motocross series,” stated Jeremy Coker, general manager of Triumph Racing America. “His development and race craft have been phenomenal this season, proving he’s ready to take on the premier class.

“The prospect of him doing it here is incredibly exciting for all of us. Over the next few months we’ll continue our preparation for his 450 race debut, and with his sole focus being on outdoors, it will be invaluable to our programme overall. We look forward to seeing what he can do on the bigger bike and can’t wait to get into next season.”