September 7, 2006 – Spain’s José Hermida, who got drawn back from this year’s mountain bike world championships prematurely, is going to start at next Saturday’s worldcup finals in Schladming. Two weeks ago, his federation denied him the permission to start at the season’s highlight without offering any reasons. Many assumed the rider might be involved in the recent doping affair concerning Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes and his customers.

Now the Spanish Cycling Federation officially states that José Hermida is not involved in any inquiries of the police and is not subject to or facing any sanctions either. The federation argues that the decision to draw back the rider from the world championships was based on a misunderstanding.

At next Saturday’s worldcup finals in Schladming, Austria, José Hermida will return to international competitions for the first time after this incident. Before the race, he will be available to journalists on Friday, 8th September, at 4pm at the Multivan-Merida team bus to answer their questions.


Wording of the Spanish Cycling Federation’s (RFEC) statement towards Multivan Merida Biking Team:

«Having knowledge that some misunderstood can be exists regarding Don José Antonio Hermida, we want to manifest the following:
1. Don José Hermida Ramos is not imputed by the penal system, neither exists judicial performance against the same one.
2. Actually, Don José Antonio Hermida Ramos doesn’t have any sanction and, therefore, he can compete with their team.»