AUSTRALIA’S Mark Renshaw will be one of the nation’s last professional riders to leave his homeland as he heads for European cycling season this week. 

Renshaw battled the unique Epstein Barr virus which delayed the start to his season which should have commenced at the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic in early January.

“I’m more motivated than I’ve ever been to get out there and start winning races,” Renshaw said.

“Motivation has never been an issue, but having the setbacks really gives it a boost,” he told cyclingnews.com

Renshaw joins Australian track rider Glenn O’Shea, who has also been unwell, recovering from glandular fever, at the AIS earlier this month.

“Dr. Dave Martin worked closely with Michael Rogers when he had Epstein Barr and knows a lot about recovery,” said Renshaw.

“So I’ve been working with the AIS since we had discussions at Tour Down Under. I went down there [to Canberra] and learnt a lot about Epstein Barr from him.

“We tried a few different training routines like one legged and capped heart rate sessions,” said Renshaw. “He was really happy with how I’m recovering.”