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Medical Update: Nadine Gill

Nadine returns to racing later this month following a four-month hiatus after contracting Epstein-Barr virus.

After becoming unwell during racing in Spain in February, Gill was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), the symptoms of which can include extreme fatigue, fever, and head and body aches. EBV is one of the most common human viruses and once contracted can lie inactive in the body. There is currently no vaccine. 

After several months of rest, Gill was able to return to training in April and will now ease back into competition slowly, beginning with the Tour of the Pyrenees later in June.

"I was mostly on the sofa or in bed until mid-April, unable to do much. I tried coming back to training a few times but everything kept going in the wrong direction," Nadine Gill explained, "In the second half of April I started doing some very slow rides (I wouldn't call it training!) but started to feel more positive so since May I've been doing more and although I don't feel like I'm fully fit, I'm feeling good. I'm looking forward to being back at a race and I'll try to help the team where I can."

CERATIZIT-WNT Performance Coach, Maxie Rathmann and the team have supported Gill through her recovery process, "The last few weeks have not been easy for Nadine, but we've stayed in close contact. On one hand to monitor her recovery, but on the other to offer the team's full support. We've also been in contact with one of the team doctors since the beginning of her illness, as I think as an athlete it's really important to get sports-related treatment. Of course, the biggest question is always 'When can she race again?', but it is important to remember that an athlete's body is their livelihood and to recover successfully takes time. We've replanned the season as much as possible without pushing her too much or putting her under any pressure, and at one point actually decided to extend her recovery period as there have been some ups and downs, but we're really happy that she is now making the first steps back to racing and I look forward to following and supporting her progress."