Camier suffering with glandular fever

The Briton has seen his pre-seaosn build up hampered by poor health this week, an illness that is unlikely to improve over the weekend.

Ollie Barstow

24 Feb 2011

Camier, Portuguese January WSBK Test 2011
© Gold and Goose

Leon Camier insists he will ride in this weekend's World Superbike opener at Phillip Island, despite being diagnosed with glandular fever.

The Aprilia Alitalia rider has been laid low with illness throughout the week, even sitting out the second day of pre-season testing around the Australian venue in an effort to be well enough for the race weekend.

However, doctors have now confirmed that Camier is suffering from glandular fever, an affliction that has the common effects of high temperatures, a sore throat and fatigue, but also other debilitating symptoms.

A blow to Camier's efforts to get his second WSBK season off to a good start, though he is determined to ride on this weekend he concedes he will have to 'take it steady'.

"It's obviously really frustrating to be starting the season like this, but we've just got to get on with the job and its only one round of thirteen," he said. "I've been feeling really, really ill all week. During the test I was feeling sick and dizzy and like a crash probably wasn't too far away, so I decided it wasn't safe for me to carry on riding.

"We've had a couple of days off and been able to find out why I've been feeling so ill. So now I've got to focus on the weekend ahead and get myself back to 100%. I'll definitely be riding but I'll be taking it steady!