Why do Spanish crossers stink?

[Arnout]

I think even in the regions where cyclocross is popular in Spain road is way more appealing. A guy like Gorka Izagirre (quite an interesting talent, 2 wins in his maiden year 2010) did crosses but quit way before he could reach a decent level because he wants to focus on the road.

Iban Mayo used to cross as well by the way, but I suppose that was also because Igorre was his home town.

 

[JMBeaushrimp]

Because they're Spanish.

And I don't mean that in any sort of xenophobic nut-job way, I mean because the Spanish population doesn't really care about 'cross.

Same reason the French only sporadically produce someone. A race in France will attract a couple of thousand fans, 100km down the road in Beligium the same level of racing will attract tens of thousands of fans.