Hermida has another chance to continue making history in Spanish mountain biking and will try to retain his title – one which although he has held it many times, is still of special importance to him.

Hermida has been training in a different way during the entire week in order to maintain the fitness level he had achieved, but without overloading his body. The MULTIVAN MÉRIDA rider was both confident and cautious before this national cross-country event as he is aware of a strong influence of those coming up from behind.

The Olympic rider wants to leave behind the events of the Val di Solei world championship event and is now focusing on his upcoming commitments. “With respect to the world championship, I have looked at what happened and I think it was heatstroke. Now I have to look ahead and the first commitment I have is the Spanish championship which I will face up to more motivated than ever. The two remaining months before the Olympic Games are very important for my main objective this season and I will be preparing for them thoroughly”