Hermida has been the only rider to beat the French in the World Cup this season, with his triumph in the first race, held at Pietermaritzburg (SA), that took him to wear the leader jersey in this maximum competition. Last weekend, Hermida prooved that he’s the more solid option to beat Absalon, as shows his second position in the UCI ranking and third position in the World Cup, even though he did not finish the second race of the circuit.

However, to face with Absalon will not be easy stuff: “We have had the luck to race against the Valentino Rossi in the mountain bike scene. He is a super talented rider, but this only makes me feel more motivated. His control in the last seasons only makes the victories I have achieved fighting with him more valuous. After being so close to him last Sunday in Mount Ste Anne, I will give all I have to go for a second WC victory in 2009”, points out Hermida.

Hermida has already checked this technical circuit and he’s is tuning the last details for Sunday’s race.