José Antonio Hermida is an institution in XC racing. From humble beginnings — winning his first race aged 14 in a hockey helmet, Caribbean shorts and a T-shirt — he has racked up a wealth of impressive wins throughout his 20 year career, culminating in his dominant performance in the 2010 World Championships bringing home Spain’s first XC gold medal.
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Hermida is not only admired for his racing prowess, the once moustachioed 38-year-old is also one of the most personable and best liked racers on the circuit and is well known for his approachable attitude and love of all things cycling.
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Merida recently invited me to Hermida’s hometown of Puigcerdà and after an afternoon of trying my best to keep up with him on his local trails, I sat down with the affable Spaniard to ask a few questions about his career on the eve of his retirement from racing.
While Merida clearly produces World Cup winning bikes, being such a successful racer I’m sure you could have your pick of any team, so what has kept you with the team for so long?
I just liked them! It’s as simple as that. Of course I had lots of offers from friends in the industry and I was always grateful for those, but if you look through my career, you’ll see I’ve only been in three teams in the last twenty or so years.
Despite retiring, no one imagines that you won’t be back between the tape soon. Now that you are more free to choose what you’d like to race, what events do you think you want to do in the future?
It's a standard question, but what was the most significant or enjoyable win of your career?
Who were your idols and which racer did you look up to most?
If you had to choose between getting a tattoo of your signature bar ends or moustache which would you go for?
How did your wife feel about the moustache?
What do you think would help further development and participation in mountain bike racing?
From a tech point of view, what’s pushed the envelope of the sport for you?
Who’s the young and upcoming talent that you’re watching?
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