Hermida travelled to Laredo with all chances to win the Ciclocross National Champs. Jose has been CX National Champion twice and he was excited about the chance of winning the title for the third time, after losing all options last year due to a mechanical problem.

Jose has performed a great competition, being up in front the whole race. But in the crucial moment, the Multivan-Merida rider has lost some seconds that would be deciding for the final classification. “Larrinaga has been very astute. With two laps to go, he has attacked in the only place where differences could be done; he has gone over the sand very well. Murgoitio, that was in second position at that moment, was riding that section perfectly well during the whole race. But he has had some problems in that lap and Larrinaga has opened a small gap. I could pass Murgoitio easily and I have pushed hard to gain time on Larrinaga, but I have crashed in a curve, as it was very slippery; I have lost some more seconds there. In the last lap I have been able to ride faster that the leader and almost get to his wheel, but I have finished 3 seconds behind him. I just have to congratulate Larrinaga for this victory”, explained Hermida.

After this result, Hermida will focus in his set up for the World Championships, where he will probably be requested to defend the Spanish colours. ”I am happy for the sensations I had today, in a track where you needed a lot of strength. It is still 3 weeks for the Worlds and I am sure I will be in much better shape in those dates” noted the rider from Puigcerdà.