Mark Cavendish diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis

Mark Cavendish (Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka) has been diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein Barr Virus, according to a statement released by his team.

It’s a further blow for the Manxman who was recently ruled out from starting both Scheldeprijs and Paris-Roubaix due to an overuse ankle injury. Cavendish, who last competed at Milano-San Remo, first felt discomfort on the penultimate stage of Tirreno-Adriatico in March and has hindered the sprinter since.

In the statement from the team about the latest diagnosis, they stated that: “Recent blood work has revealed that Mark Cavendish suffers from infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein Barr Virus. This means that the Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka sprint ace will need a longer period of rest than originally anticipated, as he is currently recovering from an overuse ankle injury simultaneously.”

“The main goal for Cavendish remains the Tour de France this year. Our African Team and all its partners are in full support of the Manxman and his ability to bounce back from this unfortunate set back.”

Jarrad Van Zuydam – Team Doctor – “Mark has been experiencing some unexplained fatigue during training. Recent blood analysis has revealed him to have infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein Barr Virus. Unfortunately, there is no effective specific treatment against the virus but rest will be required to aid his recovery.”

“His training load and symptoms will be monitored very carefully and he will make a gradual, step-wise return to full training and racing. It is difficult to give an accurate estimate of when we can expect him back at full fitness but we are hopeful of a significant improvement of his symptoms over the next 2 weeks.”