A very competitive 7.5 kilometre circuit quickly split the groups into two. The first was made up of the majority of the Swiss bikers and José Antonio Hermida stretched away from the group with the intention of breaking away completely towards lap five or six. The second, where Julien Absalon was, didn't manage to give chase to the first which meant the Puigcerdá biker's main rival was left behind.

Entering the seventh and last lap, Jose was in third place. Fast, looking good.... the MULTIVAN MERIDA competitor seemed likely to succeed in his defence of the continental title. Hermida had put on dry-weather tyres, .... then it began to rain. Every advantage he had won over the previous six laps was lost in the last. José fought to stay in the leading group, but the tyres sapped his strength. The Swiss had used wet weather tyres, his were almost slicks. Given what happened ninth place was seen as a good result.

Immediately after the race, the Puigcerdá competitor commented "Although it doesn't sound possible I'm not displeased. I was in front till it started to rain, which shows that I did well. I chose dry-weather tyres thinking it wouldn't rain. That was bad luck. I was fast and among the best, so I'm pleased".