Fullana wins Spanish championship

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Marga Fullana (Massi) and Jose Antonio Hermida (Multivan Merida) won the Spanish cross country national championships this weekend on the mountain of Montjuich in Barcelona.

Fullana collected her 11th national title after dominating the women's race. While racing the women, she encountered many masters 30+ and juniors on the course at the same time.

"I am very happy because it is a very important title for me," said Fullana. "In the race, there was a lot of traffic," she referred to the multiple categories on the course at once.

Fullana defeated Rocio Gamonal and Sandra Santanyes (Cemelorca-Trek), who were second and third.

José Antonio Hermida (Multivan-Merida) won the men's race ahead of Ruben Ruzafa (Orbea) and Ivan Alvarez (Giant Italia).

A group of six favorites emerged in the first kilometers of the race. On the second of five laps, Hermida opened a gap of 25 seconds over three men from the original leaders' group. The chasers included Iván Álvarez, Iñaki Lejarreta and Sergio Mantecón. Behind them, Ruzafa, Carlos Coloma and Marti Gispert chased.

Hermida rode alone to the win, ultimately with a gap of about 1:30.

"The first moments were quite tense. The Orbea guys were pushing hard and, although I was feeling comfortable with the pace, I didn't want to let them rule the competition," said Hermida. "This is why I attacked so early. I am surprised about the circuit. With the riders riding on it during the races, it has become tougher and more technical than a couple of days ago. This championship is special for me and gives me a lot of confidence and morale when facing the coming World Cups at Canada."

Hermida flew on Monday to Canada.

Third placed Alvarez said after the race, "I didn't push hard at the end of the last lap, when I was in second. Something was wrong with my bike."

On lap two, Massi's Israel Núñez suffered bad luck with a crash. Two laps later, he flatted far from the technical zone.

"It has been a weekend for to forget," said Núñez. "Friday, I broke a chain in the team relay. This Sunday, I crashed. Too bad," he said.