Mark Cavendish has been diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus and faces an uncertain timescale for his recovery, his Team Dimension Data squad has said.

The 30-times Tour de France stage winner has not raced since the Milan-San Remo one-day race on 18 March.

Initially his absence was attributed to pain in his right ankle, due to overuse. Now Team Dimension Data has said the Manxman has also been suffering “unexplained fatigue” and analysis of a recent blood sample diagnosed the virus.

The Team Dimension Data doctor, Jarrad van Zuydam, said: “Mark has been experiencing some unexplained fatigue during training. Unfortunately there is no effective specific treatment against the virus but rest will be required to aid his recovery.

“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.”

Cavendish last year won a first Olympic medal at the third attempt, with silver in the omnium, after combining objectives on the track and on the road.

With the Tour once again Cavendish’s primary objective for the year, he will have a gradual return to action and his race programme will be altered. The Tour begins in Dusseldorf on 1 July, with Cavendish hoping to move closer to Eddy Merckx’s record of 34 stage wins.

Cavendish’s wife, Peta, wrote on Twitter: “Just the year that keeps on giving of injuries and illness...”

Van Zuydam added: “His training load and symptoms will be monitored very carefully and he will make a gradual, step-wise return to full training and racing.”

The team statement added: “[We] are in full support of the Manxman and his ability to bounce back from this unfortunate setback.”