Spanish cross-country mountain bike racer José Antonio Hermida has returned home early from the mountain bike world championships, his team announced late Monday evening. Hermida was a favourite for Sunday's men's cross-country race and was a member of the victorious Spanish team relay squads in 2005, 2000 and 1999.
Neither Hermida nor his Multivan Merida team have offered an explanation beyond "important personal reasons" for his early return to Spain, but the team said it would have more information Tuesday afternoon.
