There was a time during the 16th century when the Spanish empire was geographically the largest in the world. That famous empire where the sun never set thanks to its territories spread over the five continents and where there was always a Hispanic landscape where the sun was shining.
Spain stopped being a geopolitical empire, and now, having reached the first quarter of the 21st century, things are very different, but we are the greatest world power in terms of sports and leisure motorcycling, and yes, the sun does not set on this empire either.
An almost complete sporting domain
Beyond the patriotic ardor, it is easy to see how, thanks to the talent of the Spanish motorcycle riders, who began with our remembered 12+1 Angel Nietoevery weekend, regardless of the Continent where competitions are held and their type, Spanish pilots are looked at with respect and admiration. I respect the riders who are always among the first classified and admiration for representing a dominant country in sports motorcycling.
There are many examples starting with the highest category of speed, the Formula 1 of motorcycles that is MotoGP, we have normalized that there are always Spaniards on the podium and sometimes up to the first three places, the same thing, but with even greater representation happens in the lower categories of Moto2 and Moto3. If these are the ones who will rise to the highest category, it is normal that other countries look at us with envy. Something similar happens in enduro with its different categories, although even today to a lesser extent (from time to time) and in motocross more of the same.
In these two off-road specialties, every Sunday it is normal for the dusty boots of a Spanish driver to get into the box. Not to mention in trials where the athlete with the most world titles in any sport, Toni Bou, continues to dominate with an iron fist. Also in rallies, such as the Dakar, where the Spanish presence is massive and although less frequently in recent years, it is also Spaniards who get on the final podium.
The “Spain Brand” throughout the planet
Without the pressure or publicity generated by the competition, but on many occasions with more viewers, especially on social networks, Spanish travelers have led the way, inspired them, and continue to do so, accumulating tens of millions of views of their motorcycle trips around the world. In this case you could also say that in the Spanish motorcycle empire and at any time there is always a Spaniard riding under the sun.
Now only the basic users remain, those who enjoy their passion every day, or every weekend. Spain is not the country where the most motorcycles are sold in the world, we are far, very far from the figures of the Far East and Southeast Asia, where the motorcycle is a fundamental personal transport vehicle in their societies, but in Europe we are also on the podium. Second after Italy in number of annual registrations, ahead of colossi with larger populations such as France, Germany and the United Kingdom, it clearly indicates that we are an absolute power.
A motorcycle empire without the recognition it deserves
And with all this compelling data… How is it that the motorcycle sector in Spain continues to be something almost marginal at an institutional level? Well, in my opinion, the same thing happens as when we were a universal territorial empire. Then the empire was supported by anonymous figures, officials, soldiers, adventurers, religious people… Many times with little pay, when they arrived, without any benefit other than the honor of spreading values with the pride and passion so typically Spanish.
Today in the Spanish motorcycling empire, with the exceptions of the top speed riders, lives almost in economic destitution and social recognition. Curious that the Spanish Motorcycle Federation does not appear among the top twenty in terms of number of sports licenses, but it far exceeds the number of world titles added to all of them and adds with accepted naturalness about fifteen world titles per season. Without a doubt, with data and passion, we are a discreet empire.
