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Cunego diagnosed with Epstein-Barr

By Agence France Presse
Published: Jun. 9, 2005

Doctor's say a diagnosis of Epstein-Barr Virus has gone a long way toward explaining Damiano Cunego's less-than-stellar performance at this year's Giro d'Italia and also put his Tour de France plans in doubt.

The 2004 Giro d'Italia champion, who has 18 career titles, will undergo further examinations at Milan's Raffaele hospital on June 20 to determine whether he can compete next month in France.

The virus may explain the 23-year-old's disappointing performance for Lampre at this year's Giro in which he finished in 18th position, 24 minutes behind champion Paolo Savoldelli.

"In a certain sense I am glad we have found out about his virus because that explains what happened at the Tour - that was the reason for his collapse," Lampre director Beppe Martinelli was quoted as saying in Thursday's Gazzetta dello Sport. "However, it's not the kind of news we wanted."

The symptoms of the virus - which infects most people at some point in their lives - include fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands but seldom last for more than four months.

On very rare occasions it may also cause heart disorders and problems withthe central nervous system.

EBV also establishes a lifelong dormant infection in some cells of thebody's immune system. The Tour de France runs from July 2 to 24.