Mark Cavendish is to take a complete break from professional cycling as he attempts to recover from the Epstein-Barr Virus.

The Manx Missile was diagnosed with the condition - which causes glandular fever - in April of last year which forced him to miss two months of the 2017 season before seemingly making a recovery from the illness.

The Team Dimension Data star has endured a tough year in 2018, missing a large portion of the campaign - including the Commonwealth Games - after sustaining injuries in three separate hefty crashes during the spring.

Cav returned to action and was duly selected for this year’s Tour de France but did not add to his 30 career stage wins at the Grand Tour before missing the time cut on stage 11.

Now it has been confirmed that the Manxman has been unknowingly training while suffering from Epstein-Barr Virus over the past few months, therefore he is going to take a complete break from cycling in order to recover from the illness.

Speaking to the official Team Dimension Data website, Cav commented: ’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.’