Reed out with Epstein Barr virus

Aussie superstar Chad Reed finally knows why he has been feeling so crappy over the last few months - he's got the Epstein Barr virus.

As a result, Reed has now pulled the pin on racing while he undergoes treatment in both the US and Australia over coming months.

It's unclear when he will return to racing, which obviously means he will sit out the balance of this year's AMA motocross title, and his participation in the 2010 Super X title - starting in his home town of Newcastle (NSW) on October 16 - has to now be in serious doubt.

Epstein Barr is one of the most common human viruses, which can be a forerunner to Glandular Fever.

"I have spent most of the last month in and out of my doctors office getting tests done, trying to figure out what is going on," Reed said.

"Each weekend I head to the track excited to get out there and get some wins on my Monster Kawasaki and ready to defend the No. 1 plate that is on my bike, but for most of this outdoor season I have been frustrated and questioning every part of my program. It's tough knowing your better than what your performance and results show.

"Personally it's embarrassing riding with the #1 plate on and not battling at the front. I don't take it lightly and I knew I had to get to the bottom of my issues.

"The results back from the doctor have confirmed I have the Epstein Barr virus which explains my fatigue issues on the track. I knew it wasn't my fitness, but I was struggling to finish races and it got to the point where it was dangerous for me to be out there.

"I want to apologize to my fans for not being able to race for you and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and sticking by me this year. From the worst times, come the best times. And I will be working hard to kick this illness so I can get back on track and winning races as soon as possible."

Reed is currently in the first year of a two-year deal with Kawasaki, but it's been something of an annus horribilis after breaking his hand in the AMA supercross title, and now the confirmation that he has Epstein Barr.