Mark Cavendish will take an indefinite break from cycling after contracting the Epstein-Barr virus.
The 33-year-old sprinter, who also suffered from the condition in 2017, will not race for his Dimension Data team until he has recovered.
The virus, one of the most common in humans, can lead to glandular fever and is associated with fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and sometimes an enlarged spleen.
Cavendish said: "This season I’ve not felt physically myself and despite showing good numbers on the bike I have felt that there’s been something not right.
"Given this and on the back of these medical results, I’m glad to now finally have some clarity as to why I haven’t been able to perform at my optimum level during this time.
"Having received expert medical advice as a result of the findings I’ve been advised to take a period of total rest in order to fully recover.
"I’m now looking forward to taking the time necessary in order to get back to 100 per cent fitness before then returning to racing again at peak physical condition.
"I’d like to thank everyone for the incredible support I’ve received and I look forward to seeing you all out on the road again soon.”
In a statement Dimension Data said Cavendish "has been advised to rest in order to fully recover ahead of a return to training".
Cavendish has won 30 individual stages of the Tour de France as well as six one-day races and Classics.
He has also won world championship gold on the track but so far Olympic gold has eluded him.
Cavendish is married to former Page 3 model Peta Todd and has two children, Delilah and Frey.
Source: Read Full Article