Cavendish to take 'indefinite break' from cycling

Manx rider diagnosed with EBV

Mark Cavendish will take a period of total rest from cycling because of illness.

The former road race world champion is suffering from the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes Glandular fever.

A statement from the Manxman's team Dimension Data, confirms the rider has been 'unknowingly training and racing' with the infection for several months.

Winner of 30 Tour de France stages, Cavendish admitted that he's not physically felt himself.

He said '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.'