Hermida is organising everything so that on the 23rd of August the mountain biking world will once again see him in top form. To achieve this objective his preparation has been to get to the event better than ever, and he is holding himself back so as not to burn himself out before time. For the Olympic Games one has to make sacrifices. Hermida was hoping to retain his national title, as even though he has held the title many times, it is one he likes to hold. This time his plans are to rest and the energy level of the rider is at a half way mark, and today he has felt it. Hermida tried his best in the contest, but his energy is still being focused on a far more important event, the Olympic Games. Hermida crossed the finishing line in fifth position, in what for many might be a disappointing position, but it is one which for him is more than welcome with respect to how his plans have been organised. The Puigcerdá rider will be taking a week’s rest to relax after almost four months of continual travelling, races and training sessions before beginning his preparation for the Olympic events where he hopes to once again show the world that he is still the same rider he was in Athens.