Spain, cradle of champions: historic successes in motorcycling 2024.

The year 2024 will be recorded in the history of Spanish motorcycling as a period of unprecedented achievements. For the first time, a country has secured world titles in the four most important disciplines of motorcycling, solidifying Spain's status as the cradle of champions in this thrilling sport. Jorge Martín, with his victory in MotoGP, and Josep García, who claimed the championship in EnduroGP and Enduro 1, have been prominent figures in this national success. These achievements not only highlight the talent of the riders but also the hard work that has been put into the lower categories over the years. Toni Bou, the legendary trial rider, has added two new titles to his impressive record, bringing his total to 36 world championships in his career. His dominance in TrialGP and XTrial reaffirms his status as one of the greatest in the history of motorcycling. Additionally, Jorge Prado, the world champion of MXGP, completes a roster of champions that has placed Spain at the center of global motorcycling. In addition to these absolute championships, there have been other significant victories. Mireia Badia has established herself as the world champion in Women's Enduro, while Héctor Garzó has excelled in MotoE, the electric category of MotoGP. Adrián Huertas and Ana Carrasco, the first woman to achieve an absolute title in the WorldSSP 300 category, have also made history this year, along with Álvaro Carpe in the JuniorGP. Each of these achievements represents a step towards equality in a sport traditionally dominated by men. The FIM Awards gala, held in Palma de Mallorca, was the venue where these accomplishments were recognized. Rafael Núñez, Secretary General of the Royal Spanish Motorcycle Federation (RFEM), received a diploma certifying Spain as the champion of the Trial of Nations. This recognition is a testament to the ongoing commitment and dedication of the riders and their teams, who have tirelessly worked to elevate the banner of Spanish motorcycling on an international scale. However, the successes in official competitions are not the only highlights of this year. Spanish motorcycling has also shone in unofficial championships, with Álvaro Lucas as the Champion of the MiniGP World Series and Tosha Schareina and Sandra Gómez in the newly created FIM E-Xplorer. At the team level, Spain has won gold medals in the Mediterranean Motocross Trophy and in the Women's European Motocross Nations. These achievements, along with over 20 podiums secured, establish Spain as a global reference in various motorcycling disciplines. Nevertheless, despite these successes, the visibility of motorcycling in the broader sports arena is alarmingly limited. José Ramón García, president of the RFEM management committee, has expressed pride in the titles obtained but has also pointed out the need to increase the relevance of these achievements beyond the motorcycling community. "Motorcycling remains a minority sport when it comes to anything outside of MotoGP," he commented, emphasizing the importance of working on the promotion and recognition of all motorcycling disciplines. Despite the achievements, the situation regarding sponsorship is concerning. Jorge Torrecillas, Marketing Director of the RFME, has noted that brands have lost interest in sponsoring motorcycling events, partly due to the perception that this sport does not align with current corporate values, such as sustainability. Torrecillas acknowledged that, although they have been working hard to attract sponsors, motorcycling continues to face significant challenges in this area. "We are in a complicated moment," Torrecillas stated. "Motorcycling is a high-risk sport and has an undeniable carbon footprint, which makes it difficult to secure financial support." However, he expressed optimism about the RFEM's ability to find new ways to attract sponsors and regain the spotlight. The path towards recognition and sustainability of motorcycling in Spain is long and filled with challenges, but the achievements of 2024 have demonstrated that the potential exists. With the proper structure and a renewed focus on promotion and sponsorship, Spain has the opportunity to further consolidate itself as a key player in the international motorcycling scene. With the commitment of its riders, teams, and the federation, the future of Spanish motorcycling looks promising, although the challenges ahead are undeniable.