This is the first important event of the season, and where José is defending the title he won last season in Capadoccia (Turkey). Although it doesn't have the prestige of the World Championships or the Olympic Games, the European Championship has the incentive of being the first title of the year which can be won or lost over a single race. Hermida is in good form, although a last minute cold may cause him some problems. He is confident that things are going well and in line with his objectives for 2008.

In Germany, José Hermida commented "let's see how the race turns out. I'm defending my title, so this is already another incentive. I believe I am in the same form as I was after the race in the World Cup in Madrid, where I performed quite well. At any rate I believe I have every opportunity to keep the title and I'm going to try to do just that. Yes, I'll be taking part in the Team Relay, which will allow me to prepare for Sunday's race and also to see if we can get a good result for Spain".