Today, in the final competition of the World Cup which was held in Schlandming (Austria), he has fought to attain victory right up to the last few metres, and although unable to achieve his goal, (by 18 seconds after Sausser), he has shown what he is truly capable of. His second position in the Austrian ski resort has ensured him a third final position at the end of the World Cup, the competition of reference in the sport. The Spanish rider has ended the season on a good note after a season of physical problems, although he has refused to let them affect his own demands on himself.

Hermida commented “Right now I think I should be critical with my performance over the season and this final third place in the World Cup should not dominate the fact that my main objective was the world title?? and the Olympic Games no ha de tapar que mi gran objetivo era el mundial y los JJOO. I am happy because this competition is the most important in the discipline and after what has happened, third place is not bad. But although the team is happy I am demanding and I cannot be happy when I hoped for much more. Since my problems at the beginning of August I tried to reach Beijing at my best fitness level but I did not have time. Now the season is ending I have reached it, but that is sport. I will continue working harder if necessary to get back to positions where I believe I should be. It has been a tough season with a lot of disappointments, and although I cannot promise results, what I can promise is that I will work extremely hard to be back among the best.”