Mark Cavendish’s preparations for the Tour de France have taken a blow after he was diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein Barr Virus

The Manx Missile is currently sidelined by an ankle injury but has also been suffering from fatigue in training.

Recent blood work has now revealed that Cav has infectious mononucleosis, which means that the Team Dimension Data sprinter will need a longer period of rest than originally anticipated.

Team doctor Jarrad Van Zuydam commented: ’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 two weeks.’